Highlands County Fire Rescue

Several Highlands County Fire Rescue personnel recently completed the Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Course at Camp Blanding in Starke, Florida, where they trained alongside members of Sebring Fire Department.

The five-day course prepares emergency medical providers to support law enforcement operations in high-risk and complex environments. Participants completed classroom instruction, hands-on skill stations, and realistic scenario-based training designed to strengthen their ability to operate during special operations incidents, large-scale emergencies, and extended missions.

Training included the use of advanced human and K9 medical training mannequins, allowing students to practice medical care in realistic and challenging conditions.

At Highlands County Fire Rescue, training goes beyond meeting requirements. It is about ensuring our personnel are prepared to respond safely and effectively when the community needs them most.

Incidents requiring specialized medical support are rare, but preparation is essential. Training like TEMS helps ensure Highlands County Fire Rescue personnel are ready to operate effectively in challenging environments and support our law enforcement partners when called upon.

Group photo, from left:
Carlos Navarrete, FT/FF/Paramedic, HCFR – previous student, assisted instructors
Michael Bacevic, FF/Paramedic, SFD – student
Alex Hernandez, FF/Paramedic, HCFR – student
Hector Peralta, Paramedic, HCFR – student
Karin Richardson, Battalion Chief, HCFR – FSA instructor
Carlos Rivera, Captain/FF/Paramedic, SFD – student
Clayton Johnson, FF/Paramedic, SFD – student

🍩 Today is National Doughnut Day, a day dedicated to enjoying doughnuts.

We wanted to use today to thank our brothers and sisters in blue for the support they provide every single day.

No two calls are ever the same, but our mission is always to save lives, protect property, and serve the people of Highlands County. We could not accomplish that mission without the assistance of our law enforcement partners.

From assisting with road closures to keeping scenes safe during dangerous incidents, they play a critical role in enabling us to do our jobs and serve our community.

So today, we wanted to thank them the best way we know how, by enjoying doughnuts. 🍩

Thank you Sebring Police Department, Highlands County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Paul Blackman, Lake Placid Police Department and all state and local law enforcement agencies that work alongside us to help keep our community safe.

Drowning is often fast and silent.

Many people expect splashing or yelling, but in reality, a person struggling in the water may not be able to call for help.

Children can drown in just a few inches of water, which means even a kiddie pool or bathtub can become dangerous if they are left unsupervised.

That’s why active supervision matters.

✔️ Stay within arm’s reach of young children
✔️ Avoid distractions while supervising swimmers
✔️ Never assume someone else is watching
✔️ Always designate a Water Watcher during gatherings

Water safety starts before an emergency happens.

Highlands County Fire Rescue encourages everyone to stay alert and help keep families safe this summer.