St. Johns County Fire Rescue

10/16/2026

Red Shouldered Hawk Update!

10/16/2026

St. Johns County Fire Rescue recently hosted a State-Certified Hybrid Pump Operations course, providing firefighters with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to safely and effectively operate fire apparatus pumping systems.

The course combines classroom instruction with practical skills training, focusing on pump operations, water supply, hydraulic calculations, and maintaining effective fireground water delivery.

Investing in our people is one of the most important investments we can make as a department. By providing opportunities for advanced training, professional development, and state certifications, we are building a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce prepared to take on greater responsibilities throughout their careers.

Our commitment to training goes beyond meeting certification requirements. It's about developing the next generation of apparatus operators, strengthening operational readiness, and giving our firefighters the tools, confidence, and experience they need to succeed.

10/15/2026

Leadership Under Fire | Elevating Human Performance Under Pressure

Last week, St. Johns County Fire Rescue hosted a five-day Leadership Under Fire: Optimizing Human Performance Under Pressure course, bringing together firefighters and leaders from SJCFR, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), Flagler County, and Escambia County.

The course focused on understanding the human element of emergency operations and developing leaders who can think critically, make sound decisions, and perform effectively in high-stress environments.

Through presentations grounded in science, research, and real-world experience, participants explored the psychological, physiological, and cognitive factors that influence performance under pressure. Topics included mental conditioning, decision-making, command and control, tactical fitness, stress management, and resilience.

Day four featured hands-on tactical workshops that challenged participants to apply mental performance techniques through realistic, high-pressure scenarios.

We were also proud to have our very own Captain Tim Young contribute to the program, presenting alongside other instructors on strength, mobility, breathing, and recovery, including the importance of sleep and recovery in sustaining performance throughout a firefighter’s career.

Leadership development goes beyond tactics and strategy. By better understanding how people respond to stress, we can develop leaders who are better prepared to perform, support their crews, and make critical decisions when lives are on the line.

Investing in the human performance of our leaders is an investment in the safety and effectiveness of our entire department.

Leadership Under Fire Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Flagler County FCFR Escambia County Fire Rescue
Station 14

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

St. Johns County Fire Rescue would like to recognize Firefighter Duke Welsch for the appreciation he recently received from our Dispatchers

While assigned to light duty, FF Welsch spent time working alongside our dispatchers, lending a helping hand and making a positive impact on their daily operations.

His willingness to step in, contribute, and support our communications personnel did not go unnoticed.

Thank you, Duke, for representing SJCFR and demonstrating that serving others goes beyond the fire station. Great work!

10/13/2026

ADVANCED PRACTITIONER TRAINING

Yesterday, St. Johns County Fire Rescue conducted specialized training for our Advanced Practitioners, who staff Medic 1 and Medic 2.

The training focused on advanced lifesaving skills and procedures, including:
-Blood Transfusions – Providing critical blood products to patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss.
-Finger Thoracotomy – An advanced intervention to relieve pressure in the chest during critical emergencies.
-FAST Exams – Using ultrasound to rapidly identify potential internal bleeding.
-Advanced Airway Management – Utilizing specialized techniques to secure and maintain a patient’s airway.

Our Advanced Practitioners bring an additional level of critical care capabilities directly to patients in the field.

Training like this reinforces our commitment to investing in our personnel, advancing prehospital emergency medicine, and providing the highest level of care to the residents and visitors of St. Johns County.

SERVE those in need.

10/12/2026

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PierceMfg Ten-8 Fire & Safety

10/08/2026

25 YEARS OF SERVICE!

Today, we congratulate the members of our October 8, 2001, recruit class as they celebrate 25 years of dedicated service to St. Johns County Fire Rescue!

Since the inception of St. Johns County Fire Rescue in October 1998, our department has come a long way. Just three years after our beginning, these individuals started their careers with an organization that looked much different than it does today.

Over the past 25 years, they have witnessed tremendous growth, changes in the fire service, and advancements in how we serve our community. More importantly, they have played a role in helping shape the department we are today.

We thank each of you for your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to the residents and visitors of St. Johns County.

Congratulations on 25 years of service and thank you for your continued commitment to our mission: “To SERVE those in need.”

Back row includes Shane Huth, Andy Hamilton, Stephen Szczepanik, Marty Renholz, Clint Thomas, in the front PJ Webb, Bill Shealey, Rodney Stokes, and Captain Kenny Krulish

10/08/2026

Rescued Hawk Update!

The Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

St. John’s Fire and Rescue fished this red-shouldered hawk out of a storm drain during a heavy downpour this week. He was nearly hypothermic and very weak after his ordeal, but he has stabilized and is eating on his own. We expect him to make a full recovery. What a survivor! Please help us help orphaned, injured, and ill birds by donating at www.thearkrescue.org/donate

10/06/2026

⚠️ More rain and gusty winds are expected across St. Johns County.

Expect three-to-four more inches of rain through Friday morning. Rainfall could cause flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Residents are encouraged to avoid flooded roads and monitor weather conditions.

Find out how to stay prepared and informed https://bit.ly/3VVd3Zb