TAVARES — The Lake County Department of Public Safety Fire Rescue Division participated in a "stand down" exercise last week to raise the level of awareness about firefighter safety.

Lake County was one of many fire departments across the nation to participate in the exercise organized by the International Association Fire Chiefs (IAFC). According to the IAFC, all fire departments were urged to suspend all non-emergency activity and focus entirely on firefighter safety.

The nationwide call beginning June 21 for increased firefighter safety was due to an increased number of deaths and injuries. According to IAFC, as of June 20 there had been 58 firefighter deaths nationwide. As of May 1, the IAFC reported 10 more firefighter fatalities than the same period last year.

Lake County firefighters suspended non-emergency daily routines June 21-23 to review safety procedures and inspect safety gear and fire-fighting apparatus.

"This stand down will make sure every single one of our firefighters is healthy and safe so we can continue to serve the community," said Jim Dickerson, Lake County Fire Rescue Division Operations Chief.

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Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us