“DFR’s BRAVEST ALWAYS READY”
MISSION STATEMENT
“We will ALWAYS BE READY to protect lives, property and the environment from the adverse effects of fire, medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions. We will maintain a constant and professional state of readiness to respond to all requests for service through training, equipment readiness, and a culture of extinguishment with a desire to serve our community first even at risk to our own lives.
VISION STATEMENT
It is the vision and goal of the Duette Fire and Rescue District to provide the highest level of service and protection for our citizens within budgetary means approved by the Duette Fire and Rescue District Fire Board of Commissioners, the elected representatives of the citizens we serve.
ABOUT OUR DISTRICT
Duette Fire and Rescue was established in 1982 by the Mighty 4-H’ers of Duette and their contribution to and for the Duette community will never be forgotten. Since then, Duette Fire and Rescue became a Florida Special District pursuant to Florida Statute 189 and 191, in 2006 by Florida Charter 2006-352 House Bill No. 1375 which established:
1. An independent special district;
2. Providing a purpose and intent;
3. Providing geographical boundaries;
4. Providing a Board of Fire Commissioners;
5. Providing qualification, election, membership, terms of office, and compensation of the board;
6. Providing for use of district funds, authorization of bonds, to levy ad valorem taxes, non-ad valorem assessments, impact fees, and user charges;
7. Providing for a 5-year plan;
8. Providing for modification of district boundaries;
9. Providing for merger with certain districts under certain circumstances;
10. Providing for an amendment of the charter by special act;
11. Providing requirements for merger or dissolution;
12. Providing severability;
13. Requiring a referendum and effective date.
The Duette Fire and Rescue District is responsible for providing fire and rescue services in the Duette Fire and Rescue District Boundaries. The district is committed to protecting the lives, property, and the environment of all residents, businesses and visitors in the community through fire protection and rescue services..
PURPOSE
The Purpose of the Duette Fire and Rescue District is to provide Fire & Medical Response
“The reader is encouraged to read this entire Performance Review in its entirety to gain an appreciation of the high level of service provided by the Duette Fire and Rescue District.”
BJM CPA Inc.
District Performance Audit
2023
In November of 2024 DFR Became the 5th Fire District in Manatee County to Provide Advanced Life Support Paramedic Non-Transport Services.
The Firefighter Stand-By System
Firefighters can earn up to $7200 annually for station coverage, training and response.
The Duette Fire and Rescue District covers the 200 square mile area with a firefighter stand-by system supported by home response local firefighters. The stand-by firefighters come from all over the greater Tampa Bay area giving an opportunity for a future generation of firefighters to gain experience with most moving on to professional careers which we are proud to support.
The system also provides training required by the State of Florida to maintain fire and EMS certifications before landing a professional career. Certifications that could be lost after fire training if a student was unable to find employment as a firefighter required by Florida.
The stand-by system provides needed station coverage 24 hours a day seven days a week. Stand-by firefighters earn stipend points for shifts, training and calls earning up to $7200 annually capped by FLSA requirements. The system provides staffing for both the engine and rescue with as many as 8 firefighters on stand-by.
Our system provides future professional firefighters a much needed service toward their career and in return they provide coverage for a small rural community that could not afford the current level of service provided by these firefighters.