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Okaloosa Island Fire Department celebrates new engine with ‘push-in’ ceremony

The Okaloosa Island Fire Department celebrated the arrival of their new fire engine with a traditional “push-in” ceremony on Friday morning. Chief Strawn emphasized the unique challenges faced by the department, serving a community on an island primarily focused on the beach. He highlighted the department’s commitment to having all firefighters licensed as paramedics and […]

New Engine for the Okaloosa Island Fire Department

The Okaloosa Island Fire Department celebrated the arrival of their new fire engine with a traditional “push-in” ceremony on Friday morning.

  • Fire Chief Michael Strawn led the event, which was attended by community members, fire commission members, and local leaders.

Chief Strawn emphasized the unique challenges faced by the department, serving a community on an island primarily focused on the beach. He highlighted the department’s commitment to having all firefighters licensed as paramedics and certified as USLA rescue swimmers to provide the highest level of service to residents and visitors.

Fire Chief Strawn highlights the department’s commitment to specialized training before the ‘push-in’

“In order to stay employed here, you must be a licensed paramedic. We’ll hire you without having your EMT or paramedic, but you have a set amount of time to get those licenses,” Strawn said, underlining the department’s dedication to maintaining a highly skilled and specialized workforce.

Okaloosa Island Fire Department

Strawn also addressed the challenges posed by the limited north-south transportation infrastructure in the county, which can impact ambulance response times.

  • “If you have an issue at your residence, you’re gonna have three to five paramedics on you like flies to honey,” he said, stressing the importance of quick response times in the congested area.

The new engine, which took two years and five months to arrive, will replace a 15-year-old apparatus purchased under challenging economic conditions in 2009. The department saved approximately $340,000 by signing the contract before prices were set to be raised.

The older engine will move to a backup role, while a 21-year-old engine will be sold.

In 2009, Former Fire Chief Biehl had to navigate the housing market crash, the BP oil spill, and Hurricane Ivan, which resulted in a 40% budget reduction for the department, according to Strawn. Despite these obstacles, including purchasing the existing engine, the department avoided layoffs by offering early retirement to senior staff members.

Chief Strawn expressed gratitude to the taxpayers for their support, emphasizing the transparency of the department. “You get to see every piece of equipment that you pay for,” he said, inviting the community to visit the fire station and speak with him directly.

He also thanked Adventure Marine for providing a rescue boat at cost and a slip for the department, demonstrating the importance of spending money locally when possible.

  • Assistant Chief Sean Mast was credited with the idea of acquiring a more affordable rescue boat instead of a traditional fireboat, which can cost around half a million dollars.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional “push-in” of the new engine into the firehouse, a practice dating back to the 1800s when firefighters had to manually push their equipment into the building after unhitching it from horses.

Chief Strawn thanked the fire commissioners for their unwavering support on behalf of the community, emphasizing the importance of transparency and honesty in communication.

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Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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