The Key Largo Fire Department celebrated 21 years of district service and announced its new chief, Jeff Morse, at the Fire Rescue Museum on the evening of June 8.
In 2005, the Key Largo Fire Rescue & Emergency Medical Services District was inaugurated as Florida’s 68th special fire taxing district under then-Gov. Jeb Bush.
“Since then we have worked tirelessly,” said current district chief Bill Lombardo. “We have done nothing more than provide the best service possible to the people of this community.”
Over the last several decades, the department’s operations have greatly expanded. A new station was established farther north, and the initial station was redone to accommodate new trucks. The department will acquire a fireboat in August.
Currently recognized as an official district with paid staff, the department’s foundations “were really built on the shoulders and the back of the volunteer system,” said curator Frank Conklin.
Morse will take over as district chief in early July. He has 43 years in the fire service, both as a volunteer and a full-time employee, in Collier County and Massachusetts. Speaking of the local fire district, Morse noted, “The initial impressions I had were of the amount of pride and dedication that the firefighters have to provide the best service they can for the community.”
During the first month of his new role, Morse plans to listen and learn about Key Largo’s services and operations. As chief, he will oversee a merger between the EMS and fire services, “making sure that they meld together.”
Morse plans to maintain the high level of professionalism in the department.
“The citizens want someone that’s capable, confident and fully equipped when they call 911,” said Morse. “That’s what I’ve seen so far: great customer service.”
