Firefighter - 2021 - 52

FL DISPATCH

WHERE EVERY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND RELATED INDUSTRY CAN CONTRIBUTE VALUABLE COMMUNICATION

Don't Blink!

I began my career in fire service in November of 1981. I was a Fire Cadet at 14 years
old for the Loveland Community Fire Department in Loveland, Ohio. I attended vocational
school my last 2 years of high school and upon graduation in 1986, I was a certified
firefighter II, EMT, and Fire Inspector. Shortly after, I went to work part-time for the now
Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.

Lawrence Nisbet, EFO
Fire Chief/Paramedic
Bayshore Fire Rescue

I moved to Florida in 1988 in search of a full-time job, and went to work at Bayshore
Fire Rescue as a Firefighter/EMT until 1990. From there, I went to Iona-McGregor Fire
District as a Firefighter/EMT and began to build on my education. I moved up through
the ranks to engineer, then Lieutenant, I got my Paramedic, an associates and then a
bachelor's degree. I also completed numerous certifications such as Hazardous Materials
Technician, and the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
In 2002, I went to Estero Fire Rescue as a Battalion Chief where I served until 2008.
In 2008, I became Fire Chief back at Bayshore Fire Rescue. For the last 13 years
I have led some of the finest men and women I have ever known. I also served as
President of the Lee County Fire Chiefs for 8 years. During this time as Chief and
President, I have been involved in 2 major hurricanes, Irma and Michael, several large
brush fires, championing the cancer bill, and now COVID 19. On June 29th, 2021,
I will serve my last day before retiring.
I provide you with a paraphrased view of my career to state a point: don't blink! I've
served almost 39 years in the fire service, and more than 33 years in Florida, but it
feels like I just started yesterday. I still love what I do, and I know I'm going to miss the
firehouse a lot. So my recommendation to you, regardless if you are a new firefighter,
company officer, or chief officer, enjoy every minute of this incredible calling, learn as
much as you can, network with your neighbors, train, train, and train some more, and
constantly strive to make your agency better. Teach the newbies the history, the culture,
and the job. Never embarrass your department or your profession, and always remember
our communities look up to us. When you reach where I am, will you be able to look in
the mirror and say, " did I make a difference? " My hope is your answer is a resounding
yes. Stay safe and stay healthy.

The Florida Firefighter I 2021 I fsfa.com

http://www.fsfa.com

Firefighter - 2021

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