The Villages Public Safety Department

From the Fire Chief

As we continue through another busy year, I want to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work being performed every day by the men and women of The Villages Public Safety Department. Whether responding to emergencies, providing lifesaving medical care, or simply lending a helping hand to someone in need, our personnel continue to demonstrate what makes this department exceptional.

During last month our department responded to 2,431 incidents, including 1,783 emergency medical responses and 648 fire-related and other emergencies. Our ambulances transported 1,482 patients to area hospitals, with an average response time of just 6.4 minutes for critical and high-acuity medical emergencies. These numbers represent more than statistics; they reflect thousands of opportunities to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is our continued success in cardiac arrest resuscitation. During fiscal year 2025–2026, our department has recorded 58 cardiac arrest saves, with a combined return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate of 36%, exceeding the national emergency department admission benchmark of 25.7%. This success is not achieved by our firefighters and paramedics alone. It is the result of a coordinated effort involving citizens performing CPR, neighborhood AED programs, advanced medical equipment, and highly trained emergency responders. It reinforces something I have always believed: when a community and its emergency responders work together, incredible things can happen.

Our Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit also continues to make a difference in how we care for patients experiencing stroke-related emergencies. During August, the unit received 68 calls, with 27 patients admitted for specialized evaluation and treatment. Five acute interventions were performed, including two administrations of clot-busting medication. Having this advanced level of care available before a patient even reaches the hospital is an important step forward in our commitment to improving patient outcomes.

I also want to recognize three of our personnel, Laura Clarisse, Matthew Rice, and Cameron Bryan, who were honored through the HomeTown Heroes Awards. Laura and Matthew assisted a child they encountered walking along the median of U.S. Highway 441, ensuring the child was safely transferred to law enforcement while continuing to care for their patient. Cameron, alongside an off-duty Sumter County firefighter, entered a burning shed and rescued a woman with disabilities. Their actions are tremendous examples of compassion, courage, and the willingness to help others, even when circumstances extend beyond their normal duties.

Our commitment to professional development remains equally strong. In August alone, department personnel completed 5,854 hours of training across fire suppression, emergency medical services, and technical rescue. This investment in training is essential to maintaining the level of service our residents expect and deserve.

Our crews also responded to several residential structure fires in early September. In each incident, firefighters worked quickly to control the fire and limit additional damage. These incidents serve as important reminders of the value of preparation, training, and effective emergency response.

As Fire Chief, I remain extremely proud of the dedication and professionalism displayed throughout our organization. I often remind our personnel that our responsibility goes far beyond responding to emergency calls. We are entrusted with protecting our neighbors, their families, and their homes, often during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That is a responsibility none of us should ever take lightly.

To the men and women of The Villages Public Safety Department, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and continued commitment to excellence. To our residents, thank you for your ongoing trust and support. It is truly an honor to serve this community alongside such an extraordinary team.

Brian Twiss,
Fire Chief
The Villages Public Safety Department