Public Safety Department

As Fire Chief of The Villages Public Safety Department, I am proud to share a snapshot of the work our firefighters, paramedics, and support staff delivered during October 2025, a month that clearly reflects both the growth of our community and the dedication of those sworn to protect it.

By month’s end, our department had responded to 2,522 incidents, a 22% increase from October 2024. Nearly three-quarters of those calls were medical in nature, with the remainder involving fire and or fire-related calls. Covering more than 90 square miles and a rapidly expanding service area, our crews continued to provide timely, professional care despite the rising demand.

One moment in particular captured the heart of our mission. On November 13, firefighters and paramedics from Engine 41 and our Medic units assisted in the delivery of a healthy baby girl at Lake Sumter Apartments. Our team safely brought a new life into the world, an unforgettable reminder that our work ranges from routine calls to life-changing moments.

Our commitment extends beyond emergency response. In October, VPSD members proudly participated in the Tunnels to Towers 5K at the Polo Fields, supporting a foundation that honors fallen first responders and veterans. For the third year in a row, one of our own received the foundation’s “Follow the Footsteps” Award, reflecting the culture of service that defines this department.

Performance and accountability remain a priority. Our average first-unit response time for emergency calls was 5 minutes and 35 seconds. While slightly above our benchmark, this is influenced by continued growth, new development, and the ongoing addition of stations, staffing, and apparatus to meet future needs.

Emergency medical services remained a major focus. Our crews completed 1,512 patient transports in October. High-acuity calls were reached in an average of 7.3 minutes, with moderate- and low-acuity calls averaging 8.1 minutes. Our Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit responded to 89 calls, delivering advanced, time-sensitive stroke care directly in the field, including clot-busting medication that can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.

Prevention and community safety efforts were equally active. Through our Smoke Detector Program, technicians changed more than 1,900 batteries, replaced 671 detectors, and installed 12 Knox Boxes. Our Community AED Program also activated volunteer responders dozens of times, reinforcing how critical bystander action can be during cardiac emergencies.

Behind all of this is preparation. VPSD personnel completed more than 5,000 hours of fire, EMS, and technical rescue training during the month, an investment in readiness as call volumes continue to rise.

As The Villages grows, so will the challenges. Expansion, innovation, and strong community partnerships will remain essential. I want our residents to know that behind every siren is a well-trained team working around the clock to protect lives, care for neighbors, and keep this community safe.