Crafting the face of firefighting in Longboat

Supporters of Longboat Key's first responders are likely familiar with the iconic images of a strong, Halligan bar-wielding white pelican and a toothy shark. But where did those logos originate?

David Oliger, a firefighter and paramedic with the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department, explained how the station created its recognizable logos seven years ago.

He joined the Longboat department in 2017 after first working with Marion County Fire Rescue for two years. He and his now wife, Stephanie, were eager to move back to the Sarasota area where she grew up.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Oliger said he quickly grew to love working in the Longboat community, especially considering the island-based department presented opportunities to learn new skills like operating a fire boat.

Not long after he arrived on the Key, he inquired about symbols representing its two fire stations. He learned from former Longboat Key Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Carr there was an opening to create something new.

"We went to the drawing board to decide what we wanted to do with these patches," he said.

He worked with a graphic designer to outline ideas for each logo, starting with the text.

"We had five or six slogans and everybody [at the fire department] voted on them," he said.

Eventually, they landed on the "Defender of the Greens" shark logo for Station 92, which recognizes the important role of the golf community to the Key. For Station 91, they landed on the "Beach House" white pelican to represent the Key's unique wildlife.

They finalized the designs in 2018.

Now, these images have become memorable badges for the fire department and another avenue for connecting with the community. The logos adorn T-shirts and tokens, proceeds from which support the department's benevolent fund. The patches have also become a great way to connect with visitors who are fellow first responders from all over the world, he said.

"It speaks volumes to the fire house tradition," he added. "Now, we've made these patches, and hopefully they are something that will outlive our careers, built into the department's history."

Oliger credits his dedication to a community-centric field to his father, who received compassionate treatment while contending with ongoing health issues. While he didn't go specifically into the medical field, Oliger said he is pleased to have found a profession that he is passionate about, that allows him to work as part of a team, and that gives him ample opportunity to help others.

Photo by Dana Kampa

He has done just that, receiving the Phoenix Award for exceptional service as part of a crew that saved a citizen from cardiac arrest.

Oliger looks forward to continuing to serve the Longboat community in a multitude of ways.

"The community is really supportive, and it's an enjoyable place to work," he said.