The Villages Public Safety Department Receives International Recognition at Fire-Rescue International

I am incredibly proud to share that The Villages Public Safety Department is receiving international recognition this week at Fire-Rescue International, the annual conference of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Within minutes of arriving at the convention center, we began seeing our department’s story featured on several large television screens positioned throughout the conference venue as part of the international program. We also learned that our feature is being aired in the lobby and guest rooms of the hotel associated with the conference.

The exposure has already generated a tremendous amount of interest. Several fire service leaders have approached us with questions about our department, particularly how we have maintained a true all-hazards response model while continuing to manage the significant emergency medical services demand within our community.

Those conversations have reinforced just how significant this recognition is for our department.

Fire-Rescue International brings together fire and emergency service leaders from across the country and around the world. To see our department’s story displayed so prominently at an event of this magnitude provides tremendous exposure not only for The Villages Public Safety Department, but also for the District and the community we have the privilege of serving.

What makes this recognition even more meaningful to me is that our department was established only 25 years ago. Several of the other departments being featured have histories spanning 50 years or more. In a relatively short period of time, this organization has grown, evolved, and accomplished things that are now being recognized on an international stage.

As Fire Chief, I could not be more proud of the men and women of this department. This recognition is a reflection of their professionalism, dedication, innovation, and commitment to our community every single day. It also reflects the work of those who helped build this department over the past 25 years and the continued support we receive from our District leadership and community.

To have fire service professionals from across the world asking questions about how we operate, how we remain an all-hazards department, and how we continue to meet the growing EMS needs of our community is something our entire organization should take tremendous pride in.

This is an incredible opportunity to showcase who we are, what we have accomplished, and the level of service our personnel provide every day.

I am extremely proud of our department, our people, and how far this organization has come in just 25 years. To now have our story shared on an international stage is truly an honor.

I have attached a link below to the video being featured at Fire-Rescue International and now being shared with fire service leaders around the world.

🎥  Video Link

Brian Twiss
Fire Chief
The Villages Public Safety Department