Sarasota County fire station stays on top of rescue training

On Jan. 23, the hard work of the fire department was visible at Sarasota County Fire Station No. 8 along Fruitville Road.

The building's tower was adorned with something extra — ropes, which crew members used to ascend the side of the tower, all the way to its highest level.

Photo by Ian Swaby

The Special Operations Division had just acquired the upgraded rope rescue equipment, explained Assistant Chief of Special Programs Tim Dorsey, and staff had to familiarize themselves with its workings.

The department is always investing in new equipment, he said, as equipment has a limited lifespan and newer equipment also tends to be better.

He also noted these kinds of activities are part of the regular training of the division's staff. The department's work is about more than fighting fires, he said, and rescues in high places are sometimes needed.

“We are always investing in equipment and technology, and we're always investing in training and education and continuity of that education,” he said. “One of my top priorities is to make sure that we're giving our personnel the education and the equipment to have everything that they need in their toolbox to do one of these jobs or respond to one of these incidents.”