06/21/2026
From Benjamin Franklin's first volunteer fire company to today's highly trained Fire & EMS professionals, Sumter County invites the community to experience the evolution of the American fire service during the America 250 Joint Training Demonstration on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sumter County Joint Training Center, 215 Gloria Rowe Hayward Way in Sumterville.
This free, family-friendly event celebrates America's 250th Anniversary by connecting the history of the American fire service with the modern training, partnerships, and emergency response that protect our communities today.
"Fire service has always been about neighbors helping neighbors," said Sumter County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Don Wiley. "While the equipment, technology, and training have evolved over the years, the mission remains the same: to protect lives, serve our communities, and be ready when our residents need us most."
The event begins at 4:00 p.m. with Benjamin Franklin: How It All Began, hosted by the Sumter County Library System. Families can enjoy historical storytelling, children's activities, and educational displays exploring the origins of America's first organized volunteer fire company.
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., activities move to the Joint Training Center and include:
• Touch-a-Truck with Sumter County Fire & EMS and The Villages Public Safety Department
• Junior firefighter activities
• Meet-and-greet with firefighters and paramedics
• Fire safety and emergency preparedness education
• Historical displays and department memorabilia
Visitors will also explore the evolution of fire protection in Sumter County, from local volunteer departments to today's regional Fire & EMS partnership.
Opening Ceremony & Live Demonstration
At 6:00 p.m., the event will feature an opening ceremony with remarks from:
• Chairman Don Wiley
• Training Chief Palasky, The Villages Public Safety Department
• Training Chief John Davis, Sumter County Fire & EMS
The evening concludes with a live joint training demonstration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how firefighters and paramedics train together for real-world emergencies. Chief Davis will narrate the scenario, explaining emergency response tactics, firefighter safety, Incident Command, and the importance of regional training.
The event also celebrates the new 25,444-square-foot Joint Training Center and Emergency Shelter, developed through the partnership between Sumter County Fire & EMS and The Villages Public Safety Department.
The campus features modern classrooms, a four-story, 5,700-square-foot training tower, a 1,070-square-foot recovery building, and a pet-friendly emergency shelter capable of accommodating 672 general-population residents and 237 residents with special needs during emergencies.
The facility provides both agencies with expanded opportunities to train together, strengthen regional preparedness, and enhance emergency response throughout the communities they serve.
The America 250 Joint Training Demonstration is free and open to the public.
www.sumtercountyfl.gov/fire
https://www.discoversumterfl.com/whats-happening/america-250
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