A Message from Fire Chief McNally

Published on April 15, 2022

Chief Michael McNally

As we enter the second quarter of 2022, we continue to highlight some of our accomplishments and share our upcoming events and recognitions. Through a peer recognitions and nomination process, we have the honor of sharing some of our award recipients for 2021. Firefighter of the Year is Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Mason, Supervisor of the Year is Battalion Chief of Training Anthony Gonzalez, Civilian Employee of the Year Kim Matz with Support Services, Instructor of the Year through Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety David Harwell, and Fire Explorer of the year Hannah Mader. 

Drowning prevention remains a very high priority for the Public Education Division assigned under Community Risk Reduction in the Fire Department. With the number of waterways and swimming pools in Coral Springs and Parkland, we actively educate our community on prevention measures.  We will be hosting our annual Drowning Prevention event at Cypress Hammock Park, 1300 Coral Springs Drive on May 22nd from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Remember to always, “Watch Your Kids, You Will be Glad You Did.” Click for more information on Water Safety.

The life of a first responder is very rewarding, challenging, stressful, and takes a toll on their mental health. The City of Coral Springs has placed mental health of our first responders and all City Employees at the forefront. The City of Coral Springs has a Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP). May 10th is recognized as First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day. The various things that our members see are difficult to erase and our commitment to them is to keep them mentally healthy to carry out our vision, “United in Service, Committed to Excellence.”

May 15-21 is recognized as National Emergency Medical Services Week. Our firefighter paramedics occupy eight fire stations throughout Coral Springs and Parkland and responded to 11,213 medical calls for service resulting in 8,084 transports to the closest appropriate hospital facility. We are extremely proud of our members who provide the highest level of service to the residents and visitors in our response area. They continue to train on the latest and greatest medical procedures and maintain an extremely high satisfaction rating through our residential and business community surveys. The most recent business survey resulted in 100% satisfaction. 

May 19th is National Stop-the-Bleed Day and will be recognized in the City of Coral Springs and City of Parkland through free awareness level training in Stop-the-Bleed. Having this critical training can and has saved lives. In the City of Coral Springs and Parkland, all businesses must have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a Bleeding Control Kit. Please stay tuned to our website at www.coralsprings.gov/events and Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety (CSRIPS) for locations and times for May 19th. Anyone wishing to obtain a certification in CPR, AED, or Stop-the-Bleed training can do so through CSRIPS.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been widely recognized in the military. It is widely recognized that first responders are at greater risk for full or partial PTSD than most other occupations due to their regular exposure to traumatic stressors. As listed above, we continue to expand and search for new tools that will enhance our BHAP. We know and recognize that “Not All Wounds Are Visible.” Taking care of our family is critical to accomplishing our mission, “The City of Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department assists the public in the protection of life and property. The department preserves life and property through emergency medical services, fire suppression, risk reduction, public education, and community partnerships.”

I am incredibly proud of the men and women of the CSPFD for the level of service they provide our residents and visitors every day.  Please feel free to reach out to us at csfd@coralsprings.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

I encourage you to follow our social platforms to stay informed and learn more (FacebookInstagramTwitter).

Stay safe.