Mayor Tim Murry signed the proclamation, underscoring the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors. The initiative aligns with the 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” which highlights the growing risks associated with the misuse of batteries found in everyday devices.

Lithium-ion batteries power many household electronics, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, and even toys. While these batteries are efficient, they can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged, improperly charged, or paired with unsafe charging equipment.

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has reported an increase in battery-related fires nationwide, making public education a critical component of prevention. Clermont officials are urging residents to take three simple but vital steps:

• Buy only listed products with safety certifications.

• Charge batteries safely, avoiding overcharging and uncertified chargers.

• Recycle batteries responsibly rather than discarding them in household trash.

Mayor Murry emphasized the role of Clermont’s first responders in fire prevention, noting their dedication to community safety through education and outreach programs.

“Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space,” the proclamation states. “Improper use can result in fire or explosion. Fire Prevention Week serves as an important reminder to handle them with care to protect our homes and families.”

Clermont joins communities nationwide in observing Fire Prevention Week, working to reduce fire risks through education, prevention, and responsible practices.

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The  Orlando Health South Lake Hospital recently presented the Phoenix Award to Clermont Fire Department employees Lt. Bruce Wisniewski, Eng. Jeffery Brimmer,  FF Emiliano Appratto, and Lt. Chris King (not pictured) along with members of Lake County Fire Rescue. These employees through collaborative efforts achieved successful lifesaving results.

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The City of Clermont Fire Department celebrated the in-service status of a brand-new fire engine, Engine 101, with a “Push-in and Wet-down” ceremony on Tuesday, October 17^th at Clermont Fire Station 1, 439 State Road 50. The engine is a Pierce make, dual-function engine, delivered recently from the Pierce Manufacturer in Appleton, Wisconsin.

The engine was purchased two years ago at a total price tag of $650,000.00, a cost that would be $997,000.00 in today’s current market, according to Fire Chief David Ezell.

The engine is equipped with all new equipment versus the previous practice of transferring older equipment from one engine apparatus to another. “We are beginning a new tradition today of equipping new engines with new equipment,” says Ezell. Engine 101’s predecessor will remain in the fire engine fleet as a reserve unit while other engines are out of service for repairs or maintenance. The older engine will also retain its equipment and be in a ready status with little notice should the need arise. Previous protocol required the transfer of equipment from one engine to another when an engine was taken out of service, a task that could take several hours to complete and render an engine out of service for calls.

Although some new traditions were implemented, a few old traditions were recognized as well. Fire service history continues the decades-old tradition of pushing a new engine backward into the fire station bay for its first time in service, more affectionately recognized as a “Wet-down and Push-in Ceremony.” The tradition began in the late 1800’s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. Upon returning to the fire station after a fire call, the horses could not easily back the equipment into the station, so they were disconnected from the fire equipment and firefighters would push the apparatus back into the bays themselves. Before pushing the apparatus back in the bay, the firefighters would also wash down and ready the pumpers and the horses before readying both for the next fire call.

The Clermont Fire Department’s vision is to be known as an internationally accredited department striving for continuous improvement and renowned for providing fire and rescue services with integrity, professionalism, and leadership. The Clermont Fire Department is the only fire/ rescue department in Lake County that possesses this elite accreditation according to City Manager Brian Bulthuis.

Visit clermontfl.gov/departments/fire-department for a full listing of fire prevention tips, community events, and services provided.

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Clermont Fire Chief Ezell recently honored 14 Clermont Fire Department Personnel at a Clermont City Council Meeting. The 14 Clermont Fire Department personnel were honored with service awards for their actions on the March 3rd,  structure fire that resulted in the successful rescue of an occupant inside the structure. The crews and support of the members of Local 4350 stood proud as Chief Ezell presented the awards.

The following awards were presented:

Life Saving Award

Eng Bruce Mace

FF Nelson Figueroa

Distinguished Service Award

Eng Bruce Mace

FF Nelson Figueroa

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Fire Chief David Ezell shared the news at the July 22 city council workshop at the Clermont City Center and was met with applause by Gray, Mayor Gail Ash and the council.

Ezell explained that having a Class 1 department (on a scale of 1 to 10) provides the lowest insurance premiums possible for hazard insurance policies. Residents and business owners are encouraged to contact their insurance companies to see if they qualify for a reduction in their fire insurance rates, Ezell said.

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A Little History-SIO Class Rating was a mission first pursued and achieved by retired Fire Chief Carle Bishop (see Clermont Fire Department)

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That’s why staff applied for pet oxygen masks from Invisible Fence of Central Florida, a request that was granted Dec. 9 with a special delivery to Station 1.

“Animals tend to hide in a fire and owners can’t always find their pets,” Clermont Fire Chief David Ezell said. “Once our crews locate them, these masks go a long way to giving us the tools we need to be able to revive a pet.”

Clermont Fire received eight reusable mask kits. Each one includes a slip leash to secure the animals and three sizes of masks to rescue a wide range of distressed pets, from rabbits to Rottweilers.

“We’re proud to be able to donate these masks to the department,” Invisible Fence representative Donnie Ray said. “We hope to save some pets’ lives with them.”

More than 40,000 pets die in fires every year, most succumbing to smoke inhalation, according to estimates. Invisible Fence of Central Florida’s Project Breathe Program started in 2006 to help change that statistic; they’re on a mission to equip every fire department and rescue unit across the U.S. and Canada with masks.

“We understand they are part of the family,” said Ezell, who has two dogs and two cats. “We’re here to take care of our human citizens and our four-legged counterparts. We are excited to receive this installment from Invisible Fence to ensure we have the capability of providing the best care to Clermont’s pets.”

Clermont Fire first received a couple of masks from a local veterinarian years ago; Training Capt. Lindsay Judah saw a need for more. “We want to provide oxygen for an animal like we would a human,” Judah said. “We can use the masks to help see signs of life after smoke inhalation.”

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In a recent letter to the City, Ezell wrote, “I can appreciate the feeling of pride and loyalty all of you must have in protecting and serving the City of Clermont and the utmost respect that you undoubtedly have for your beloved, long-time Fire Chief. I understand that your search for his replacement must not be taken lightly and that you seek someone with a parallel service record, experience, expertise, and longevity who will also be a good cultural fit with the department and the community”.

Ezell compares his experiences as Assistant Fire Chief at Bradenton to that of Clermont, such as guiding a progressive department through the CFAI accreditation process, lowering the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating, establishing a technical rescue and hazmat team. He states, “coming from a municipality in Florida that is similar in size and governmental structure and a department that shares many characteristics with Clermont, I feel this position is both a natural fit and the right choice for me, given the experience over my career and the value I place on forming close, personal relationships with the people I work with”.

Let’s welcome Clermont’s new Fire Chief David Ezell to the Clermont Community and wish him success in his new role.

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The Clermont Police and Fire Departments hosted a moving 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at Clermont Arts and Recreation Center. The solemn event was a stirring and memorable tribute to the first responders to the horrific terrorist attack.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from Fire Chief Carle Bishop.  Chaplain Rev. Brian Braddock provided the invocation.

Rob Nichols, a singer, well-known to Clermont, emotionally charged the audience with a rendition of “I’m Proud To Be An American” and the National Anthem; followed by the presentation of the colors by the Clermont Fire, Police, and Sea Cadets Honor Guards.

The Ceremonial Bell struck three times, a tradition for over 200 years in memory of those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man. Assistant Chief Bill Harrison made introductions and Police Chief Charles Broadway, an on-site first responder at the Twin Towers, welcomed those who attended and called to mind those heroes who since passed.

Guest speaker Patricia Valentine, daughter of the late Police Officer Ronald G. Becker Jr., discussed her vivid memories of that tragic day; the fear of not knowing if her dad was safe, and the confusion and joy when he came home covered in ash and filth.  Michael J. Saxe, a first responder at the Twin Towers spoke of the same dread, sadness, and confusion experienced by himself and his team.

Clermont Mayor Gail Ash reflected on 9/11 before the somber ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League, Sgt. I.W. Hatcher Jr. Detachment #1120 and Taps played by Allen Venezio of Clermont Middle School Band Director.

Those honored and participants in the ceremony

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Sonny’s BBQ provided the refreshments after the ceremony.

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Clermont Fire Lt. Jeremiah Plasters and Engineer Micah Warren participated as part of Task Force 4, a regional joint search-and-rescue group with members coming from fire rescue departments from across Central Florida. Clermont Fire Assistant Chief Kathy Johnston also attended. Plasters and Warren had the opportunity to speak with Patronis and to educate attendees about the latest search and rescue equipment. 

For 2019, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a likely range of nine to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which four to eight could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including two to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. 

“Clermont Fire Department urges residents to prepare for hurricanes in advance,” Johnston said. “Now is the time to start gathering medications, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items and to devise an evacuation plan just in case a storm threatens your home and you need to leave. This includes plans for pets and livestock.” 

You’re advised to have your plan in writing and distributed to all family members, including the route you expect to take to evacuate and where you plan to stay when you arrive. 

Hurricane preparedness information, guides and check-lists for residents and businesses is available at the State of Florida website www.StateOfFlorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide.aspx and at Lake County’s website, www.LakeCountyFl.gov/hurricane_guide/. Emergency shelter information also is available at the Lake County site. 

Task Force 4 is often called upon not just locally, but elsewhere as well, and credited for helping thousands of lives in the aftermath of storms or catastrophic events. 

Last year, Plasters and six other Clermont Fire Department employees were deployed to the Panhandle to assist with Hurricane Michael rescue and recovery efforts. A couple of months later, Patronis visited City of Clermont Fire Station No. 1 to express his appreciation for their service. 

About the Clermont Fire Department. The Clermont Fire Department is internationally accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, making Clermont one of only 179 civilian departments in the world to earn this distinction. Only 10 percent of the U.S. population is protected by an accredited agency. 

About the City of Clermont. Clermont, Fla., is known as the Choice of Champions® due to its international reputation as a training ground for elite athletes and the community’s celebration of the championship spirit. Founded in 1884 as a model town, the city of 40,000 is about 20 miles west of Orlando and is set among picturesque hills and pristine lakes. Clermont is the largest city in Lake County. More at www.ClermontFL.gov. 

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