A Message from Fire Chief McNally
Published on March 31, 2023
As we enter the second quarter of 2023, we continue to highlight some of our accomplishments and share our upcoming events and recognitions. In April we are proud to honor our 2022 Personnel of the Year and the recipients of Lifesaving and other Commendations. We are proud to recognize these employees for their outstanding performance.
Congratulations to the following individuals:
2022 Firefighter of the Year: Driver Engineer Robert Lubinger
Supervisor or the Year: Captain William Schermerhorn
Civilian Employee of the Year: Senior Office Assistant Tammy Kahler
Instructor of the Year, through Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety: John Hudak
Fire Explorer of the Year: James Sweeney
From April 9-15, we also honor our city’s “first” first responders, our incredible 911 emergency call takers and dispatchers, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. These men and women, who now serve the cities of Parkland, Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek, possess the highest level of skill, compassion, and efficiency when getting help to those in need.
The life of a first responder is very rewarding, but it can also be challenging and stressful, which takes a toll on their mental health. We are grateful for the support of the City of Coral Springs which has placed a priority on the mental health of our first responders and all city employees through its Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP). May 10 every year is recognized as First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day. The various situations our members encounter can be difficult to erase. Our commitment is to keep them mentally healthy to carry out our vision, “United in Service, Committed to Excellence.”
May 21-27 is recognized as National Emergency Medical Services Week. Our Firefighter Paramedics occupy eight fire stations throughout Coral Springs and Parkland and responded to 12,193 medical calls for service resulting in 8,762 transports to 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 using the most cutting-edge medical procedures and lifesaving equipment. We maintain an extremely high satisfaction rating through our residential and business community surveys. In fact, the most recent business survey resulted in 100% satisfaction.
On Thursday, May 25, during EMS Week, we recognize National Stop-the-Bleed Day. Having this critical training has saved lives. In the City of Coral Springs and Parkland, any business required to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is also required to have a Bleeding Control Kit. Please check our website department page and Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety (CSRIPS) at www.CSRIPS.org for training opportunities. Anyone wishing to obtain a certification in CPR, AED, or Stop-the-Bleed training can do so through CSRIPS.
June is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD has been widely recognized among military veterans and first responders due to their regular exposure to traumatic stressors. We continue to expand and search for new tools that will enhance our BHAP model. We know and recognize that “Not All Wounds Are Visible.” Taking care of our family is critical to accomplishing our mission to “…preserve life and property through emergency medical services, fire suppression, risk reduction, public education, and community partnerships.”
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 in prevention measures. We will be hosting our annual Drowning Prevention event at Cypress Pool, 1300 Coral Springs Drive, on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We encourage families to attend. Remember to always, “Watch Your Kids; you’ll be Glad You Did.” For more information on Water Safety, click here.
June 1 also marks the beginning of Hurricane Season here in Florida. We will be sharing reminders and safety information in the event of a storm that affects our region. Residents are reminded to prepare ahead of June 1st by making sure they have necessary supplies before a storm arrives. Part time residents are reminded to leave shutters closed while away for the summer. Part-time residents should complete a Hurricane Shutter Out of Town Registration Form which can be accessed here.
On behalf of the men and women of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department I wish you a happy, healthy second quarter, enjoying the Spring holidays and any graduation ceremonies that are ahead for your families. Stay safe, and remember we are always here for you.
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