Read Across America! Thank you to Villas Elementary and Gateway Elementary Schools that invited crews from Station 64 and Station 61 to read to students today. Spending time with children and sharing the love for reading is always a fun way to interact with children of all ages.

Congratulations Inspector Jeff Gilbert on a well-deserved retirement! Inspector Jeff Gilbert has retired from South Trail Fire Department, his last day of employment with us was December 7, 2022. He finished his final shift riding next to his son in the back of fire engine 61 as a firefighter/medic, and then was driven home by his son FF Gilbert for his final ride. We would like to thank Inspector/Investigator/Paramedic Gilbert for just over 27 years of service to South Trail Fire District! Jeff has faithfully served as a Lee County EMS Paramedic (3 years prior to South Trail), South Trail Firefighter/Paramedic, South Trail Fire Inspector/Paramedic, and Acting Division Chief of Fire & Life Safety. We are all so happy for you! #southtrail #STFD #E61 #Retirement #firefighterretirement #firefamily

Firefighter Steve Krause is retiring with 25 years of service to the South Trail Fire District and previous years of service with Lee County EMS and Estero FD prior to beginning his career with South Trail. Steve’s last shift at South Trail Fire & Rescue was Saturday, with his final crew members driving him home. Steve…thank you for your service to our community and to your fellow firefighters and staff. We all wish you the best in this upcoming and well-deserved new chapter in life!

Orlando Fire Conference 2023! 20 personnel from South Trail Fire & Rescue attended this year’s educational Orlando Fire Conference. Firefighters, Engineers, Captains, a Battalion Chief, and a Division Chief of Training all spent two 8-hour days learning. They organized and spread out to conquer as much knowledge as possible to learn so they bring back to the fire house to teach. They all have a passion for knowledge and skills to help you with your emergency. Our firefighters know how to put in the work to be the best all hazard emergency responder. They train so that all of the residents and visitors of our district can have the best emergency response and action in times of need. Classes taken were Advanced Auto Extrication, The Art of the Big Rig - Heavy Lifting & Moving, Vertical Vent Roof Operations, “One Bad Day” RIT Operations, Elevator Emergency Operations, & Flashover Recognition/TIC.

Caught being kind and helpful! Through FB messenger, we had a appreciative message with pictures of Squad 63 crew and Battalion 60 helping change a tire for a person in our district. The person reached out to send a thank you and to make sure they knew how their act of kindness helped her out! We are always so proud of our firefighters and their compassion, especially when the person they help is the one that lets everyone know what they did. Keep it up!