Haines City Fire Department

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Haines City Fire Department as they complete our New Hire Orientation Program and begin serving the citizens of Haines City.

This orientation class includes eight experienced public safety professionals ranging in rank from Firefighter to Captain, bringing a combined 81 years of prior service experience to our organization. Their knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the fire service will continue to strengthen the level of service we provide to our community.

Throughout orientation, these members completed extensive training that included our Firefighter and Engineer Academy, tactical and operational familiarization, departmental policy review, equipment training, and instruction on the professionalism and standards expected within the Haines City Fire Department.

Photo 1 (left to right): Driver/Engineer Dylan Underhill and Firefighter/EMT Mark Vasquez.

Photo 2 (left to right): Driver/Engineer James Whedon, Firefighter/EMT Stephanor Christophe, Driver/Engineer Cory Spangler, Captain Matthew Zahara, Firefighter/Paramedic Brent Zanca, and Lieutenant Stephen Zotti.

We are proud to welcome these individuals to our department and look forward to the experience, dedication, and service they will bring to the City of Haines City.

Welcome to the family. 🔥🚒

Haines City firefighters participated in today’s Memorial Day paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 🚒

The Haines City Fire Department is currently hiring Firefighters and Driver/Engineers to join our growing department.

HCFD is a progressive agency serving one of the fastest-growing communities in Central Florida. Our team operates out of three stations, including our brand-new Fire Headquarters and Public Safety Complex.

We offer:
• Competitive pay plans with built-in overtime and holiday pay
• Opportunities for advancement and specialty training
• A supportive team environment
• Modern equipment and facilities
• A 3-Week Kelly Day schedule effective October 2026

If you are looking for a department where you can grow your career while making a difference in the community, we encourage you to apply.

Be part of something bigger. Be part of Haines City Fire Department.

Apply here: https://hainescityhr.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Voting is still open for Haines City Fire Chief Codi Donahoe in CareerSource Polk’s Man of the Year campaign.

Chief Donahoe has played an important role in the continued growth of the Haines City Fire Department while helping lead efforts focused on service, preparedness, and community safety. We are proud to support him and the work he continues to do for Haines City.

Every vote also helps support a meaningful cause as the campaign works toward its fundraising goal of $50,000.

To cast your vote, visit: CareerSource Polk Man of the Year Voting Page

We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to vote and support Chief Donahoe.

This afternoon, the Haines City Fire Department responded to a backyard fire at the Fletcher Mobile Home Park. The fire started after the homeowner was burning wood in the backyard.

Thanks to the quick response and swift actions of our crews, the fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread further. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the homeowner or responding personnel.

This serves as an important reminder that Polk County remains under a burn ban. Dry conditions can cause fires to spread rapidly and become dangerous in a matter of moments. We encourage everyone to follow the burn ban and use caution outdoors to help keep our community safe.

Today marks the start of National EMS Week, and we’re proud to recognize the dedicated emergency medical professionals of the Haines City Fire Department.

Our department is staffed with 17 paramedics and 30 EMTs who serve our community each day with professionalism, compassion, and skill. These members are not only firefighters, but are state-certified medical providers trained to deliver lifesaving care during some of life’s most critical moments.

Thank you to all of our paramedics and EMTs for your commitment, sacrifice, and service. Your work truly makes a difference every single day.

Yesterday, members of the Haines City Fire Department hosted a hands-only CPR and AED training class for members of the Puzzle Love Autism Foundation.

Participants had the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills, including how to recognize a cardiac emergency, perform CPR, and properly use an AED. We’re thankful for the opportunity to connect with the community and help provide training that can make a difference in an emergency situation.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the class a success.