Fire & Rescue Department

Special Operations Bureau

This bureau oversees the specialty teams, Honor Guard, C.E.R.T. and Fire Explorers.

Specialized Teams include a Marine Response Team, which conducts underwater search and recovery operations and deploys personal water craft for rapid rescue response, and a Technical Rescue Team, which is responsible for high-rise and confined-space rescues such as building collapse, cave-in, trench rescue, urban search and rescue. Other responsibilities include response to hazardous materials conditions to stabilize the incident with help from the Pinellas County Hazardous Materials Team.

EMS personnel also belong to the specialty teams, such as the Special Events Team, which provides medical standby at special events, and a medical Special Operations Rescue Team, which works in conjunction with the police.

The Department's 15+ Honor Guard performs ceremonious city, state, and fallen firefighter flag presentations in parades, events, celebrations, and funerals.

The Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) and the Explorer Program are volunteer programs made up of citizens. More information regarding these programs can be found on our volunteer page.