5 Major Upgrades: How The City Of Kissimmee Fire Department Is Revolutionizing Public Safety In 2025
Contents
Profile of Leadership: Fire Chief Walls
While the City of Kissimmee Fire Department is a collective force, its strategic vision and recent transformation are guided by experienced leadership. The department's direction is currently overseen by Fire Chief Walls, a respected figure in the regional fire service. * Role: Fire Chief, City of Kissimmee Fire Department (KFD). * Career Start: Began his career as a firefighter in 1993. * Experience: A second-generation firefighter, bringing decades of institutional knowledge to the role. * Educational Leadership: Served as the Director of the Central Florida Fire Academy starting in 2000, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to training and professional development. * Key Initiatives: Instrumental in championing the recent shift to the 24/72 schedule and the hiring of 49 new firefighters, focusing on boosting morale and operational readiness. * Other Key Personnel: The department’s specialized services are also led by individuals like EMS Chief Eric Gentry, who focuses on modernizing emergency medical care and equipment for the community.The Morale Revolution: Implementing the 24/72 Shift Schedule
One of the most impactful and widely discussed changes within the department is the transition to a new 24-hour on, 72-hour off work schedule, commonly known as the 24/72 shift. This move is a significant departure from the previous 24/48 schedule and is directly aimed at improving firefighter wellness and morale. The previous schedule often led to fatigue and burnout, impacting the quality of life for firefighters and their families. The new 24/72 shift provides an extra 24 hours off after a 24-hour shift, giving personnel a full three days to recover and focus on personal well-being. This change is not just a benefit to the employees; it is a strategic move to ensure that every firefighter responding to an emergency is well-rested and operating at peak performance. To facilitate this massive operational change without compromising coverage, the Kissimmee City Commissioners approved a new Fire Assessment Fee. This crucial funding mechanism supports the department's plan to hire a substantial number of new personnel. The plan includes bringing on 49 new firefighters in two phases—one in the Fall of 2025 and the second at the beginning of 2026—to maintain and enhance staffing levels across all stations, including Fire Station 11, Fire Station 12, and Fire Station 13.Technological Edge: The New Fire Station Alerting System
In the life-or-death world of emergency response, every second counts. The City of Kissimmee Fire Department has recently activated a new, state-of-the-art Fire Station Alerting (FSA) System to shave precious seconds off their turn-out time. This modern FSA system operates as a zoned alerting system. When a 911 dispatcher receives an emergency call, they simply input the necessary information into a computer. The system then automatically routes the alert directly and specifically to the necessary fire stations and units, eliminating unnecessary noise and confusion at other stations. The technology is designed to reduce the "startle effect" on sleeping firefighters and to ensure that only the units required for a specific incident are alerted. This targeted approach significantly improves emergency response times and enhances the overall efficiency of the department’s operations across the City of Kissimmee and surrounding Osceola County areas. The FSA system complements the city’s broader emergency communication infrastructure, which also utilizes the Everbridge Emergency Notification System (often called "Reverse 9-1-1").Investing in the Future: New Infrastructure and Apparatus
The KFD is not only investing in personnel and technology but also in physical infrastructure and modern apparatus, ensuring their facilities and equipment meet the demands of a growing community.State-of-the-Art Training Pavilion
In October 2025, the department, in collaboration with the City’s Public Works and Engineering Department, completed the construction of its New Training Pavilion. This dedicated facility is a game-changer for the department, offering a realistic environment for training scenarios, including structural firefighting, technical rescue, and other critical skills. This hands-on training capability is vital for maintaining the high standards of the department and preparing the 49 new firefighters for real-world emergencies.New Engine 11 and Future Stations
The fleet also received a significant upgrade. In September 2025, the City of Kissimmee Fire Department officially placed New Engine 11 into service. This modern piece of apparatus was celebrated with a traditional Wet Down & Push Back Ceremony at Fire Station 11 on North Clyde Avenue, a nod to the rich history and traditions of the fire service. The addition of Engine 11 ensures the department has the capacity and reliability needed for front-line response. Looking ahead, the city is already planning for expansion. Following the anticipated completion of Fire Station 15, the KFD has plans for a second new facility, Fire Station 16, further expanding its coverage and reducing response times in rapidly developing areas of Kissimmee.Community Engagement and Risk Reduction
The mission of the City of Kissimmee Fire Department extends far beyond emergency calls. A core component of their strategy is Public Education & Community Risk Reduction. By proactively engaging with the community, the KFD aims to prevent emergencies before they happen. The department hosts various educational opportunities for both children and adults, focusing on vital safety topics such as fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and hands-on CPR training. Community events, such as the open house held at Fire Station 12 on Denn John Lane, provide families with an exciting and educational chance to meet the firefighters, see the equipment, and learn essential life-saving skills. The KFD is also dedicated to continuous improvement, having recently hosted a CPSE assessment team in 2023 as part of its ongoing accreditation journey. This commitment to external review and professional standards ensures the department remains one of the premier emergency service providers in Florida. The combination of new personnel, advanced technology like the FSA System, and modern facilities positions the City of Kissimmee Fire Department as a leader in public safety for years to come.
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