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Fire Rescue Department |
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Fire Rescue Department |
History
of the Longboat Key
Fire
Rescue Department
On October 5th, 1953, the Longboat Key Volunteer Fire Department was formed. From a modest beginning and fifteen original members, we have grown to meet the needs of our residents. On August 29th, 1972, the Longboat Key Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated. In 1982, Leon Feingold, President of the Volunteer group, and Town Manager Wayne Allgire successfully petitioned the Manatee County Commissioners to allow Longboat Key to operate its own ambulance transport service.
Today Longboat Key Fire Rescue, lead by Chief Paul Dezzi, serves as a shining example of a state-of-the-art fire rescue service capable of delivering experienced personnel and modern equipment within minutes to any location on the island. A combination of dedicated personnel, strong community support and Town officials willing to invest in the future, provides residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable stay while on Longboat Key.
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chiefs
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Longboat Key Fire Rescue was born over 47 years ago as The Longboat Key Volunteer Fire Department. From its modest beginning in 1953, two full years before the Town of Longboat Key incorporated, the organization continued to grow to meet the ever-increasing demands for service. Ansel McMichen served as the department’s first Chief and Guy Paschal was elected as the organization's first President. In 1976, the department hired its first paid employee, Chief Bob Bullard. Previously, Bullard had been a Lieutenant with the Sarasota Fire Department. Over the years, equipment and personnel were added to keep pace with the community’s needs. |
| William Hewitt | 1963-1965 |
| Robert Lee | 1965-1966 |
| P.K. Blair | 1966-1967 |
| George McKeever | 1967-1970 |
| Bob Cannon | 1970-1975 |
| David Bianchi | 1975-1976 |
| Bob Bullard | 1976-1980 |
| Robert E. Fakelman | 1980-1997 |
| John Howe | 1997-1998 |
| Julius Halas | 1999-2009 |
| Rich Dickerson | 2009 2010 |
| Paul Dezzi, Chief | 2010 - Present |
