As Chief of the Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety Department, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our web site. This site serves as an introduction to our Agency and provides an overview of our services.

The Department was formed in 1924 and was originally comprised of nineteen (19) men and two (2) pieces of fire apparatus. Since then, our Department has evolved to its present size of almost three hundred (300) personnel including two hundred twenty three (223) sworn firefighters and nineteen (19) pieces of fire apparatus, placed in six (6) strategically located fire stations, which will respond to nearly 28,000 alarms per year. Additionally there are forty-one (41) fulltime civilian personnel, (26 at Beach Safety, 3 apparatus mechanics and 12 support/technical staff) and 33 part-time lifeguards.

The Department has transitioned from almost an exclusive fire suppression department, to a full service fire rescue and beach safety department. Additionally the Department provides emergency medical services and special operations, which includes hazardous materials responses, technical rescue team, dive rescue, fire inspection and investigation, public education, and beach safety as well as many other services. It is our mission to provide these services to enhance the quality of life and safety within the City of Hollywood.

The Department has a long history of commitment and tradition of being a leader and innovative Fire Department. In 2001, the Department was evaluated by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and received the rating of a Class 1 Fire Department. Less than one percent (1%) of all departments in the country have received a Class 1 rating which reflects our commitment to service and excellence. In 2005, a general obligation bond was passed by our citizens with a seventy percent (70%) approval. This bond has allowed the Department to reconstruct three (3) of the existing fire rescue stations and build an additional new fire station, training facility and maintenance facility/warehouse as well as purchase an aerial ladder truck, fire engine and an Advance Life Support (ALS) rescue. Many of the Departments initiatives are attained as a result of the departments active participation in the City's Strategic Plan. Through the plan, a cross section of personnel work to enhance City services related to communication, cost containment, customer service, diversity, economic development, employee development, sports and recreation, and global Hollywood (protecting our resources).