News

November 2026

Polk County Approves New Contract — D-Shift and 24/72 Coming by October 2027

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners has approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Polk County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3531, paving the way for a fourth shift effective no later than October 1, 2027. With the addition of a fourth shift, or D-Shift, Polk County firefighters will work a 42-hour week on a schedule of 24 hours on duty and 72 hours off. It's another Florida department following the direction of HB 929, and a big win for Local 3531 and the firefighters of Polk County Fire Rescue.

Source: Polk County Government and Polk County Fire Rescue

October 2026

Orlando Health St. Cloud Wraps Rescue 35 Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

St. Cloud Fire Rescue is proud to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a very special gesture from our community partner, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital. Thanks to their generous donation, Rescue 35 has been wrapped in a full pink Breast Cancer Awareness design for the month of October — a visible reminder that the fight against breast cancer is one we take into every neighborhood we serve. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging early screening and detection, and honoring the survivors, patients, and families affected by breast cancer. Early detection through regular mammograms and self-exams remains one of the most powerful tools in saving lives. If you or someone you love is overdue for a screening, October is the perfect time to make that appointment. Thank you to Orlando Health St. Cloud for your partnership, your generosity, and your shared commitment to the health and well-being of our community.

Regional job opportunity

Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Now Hiring — New 24/72 Schedule Begins January 2027

Gilchrist County Fire Rescue is hiring Firefighter/Paramedics ($59,072 starting) and Paramedics ($55,744 starting), with on-call opportunities for Paramedics at $25/hr and EMTs at $20/hr. The department is transitioning to a new 24/72 schedule beginning January 5, 2027. Benefits include health insurance, Florida Retirement System pension, tuition reimbursement, and professional development.

October 2026

Levy County Fire Rescue Officially Transitions to 24/72

The Levy County Department of Public Safety has officially transitioned to the 24/72 schedule. After months of planning and preparation across staffing, payroll, scheduling, and logistics, crews now work 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off — a 42-hour average work week as recommended by legislation, closer to the typical 40-hour week worked by most professions. The new schedule is designed to support mental health, reduce fatigue and burnout, and give members a better work-life balance, while continuing to deliver the high-quality fire and EMS service Levy County depends on. Same mission. Same dedication. A new way forward.

Source: Levy County Department of Public Safety

June 2026

St. Cloud Fire Rescue and Police Honored with June 2026 EMS Excellence Award

St. Cloud Fire Rescue's Rescue 33 and Engine 31, along with two St. Cloud Police Officers, were honored with the June 2026 EMS Excellence Award. In February, the team responded to a 73-year-old woman in cardiac arrest — officers first on scene began high-quality CPR and used an AED to deliver the first lifesaving shock before Rescue 33 and Engine 31 arrived to take over patient care and transport her to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. After 15 days of hospital care and inpatient rehabilitation, she made a full recovery and returned home to her family. The award ceremony reunited the crew with the patient and her family to celebrate the outcome.

June 2, 2026

Marion County Approves $60 Million Firefighter Contract

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, IAFF Local 3169, after months of stalled talks. The deal delivers an immediate $20,000 base pay increase for current employees and commits the department to transitioning to a 42-hour workweek (24 on/72 off) by September 2029. Members voted to ratify the contract May 25-27, and the full agreement is valued at roughly $60 million over its life — a strong example of what sustained, organized bargaining can win for firefighters across Florida.

Regional job opportunity

Tavares Fire Department Now Hiring FF/EMT and FF/Paramedic

Tavares Fire Department is hiring for both FF/EMT ($53,052 starting) and FF/Paramedic ($64,648 starting) positions, with a planned transition to a 24/72 schedule by April 2028 (pending city council funding approval). The roles include 312 hours of holiday pay, holiday work paid at 1.5x, medical/dental/vision coverage, FRS retirement, and career growth support.