08/28/2026
30 YEARS OF SERVICE — CONGRATULATIONS, DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF MARK ZIPETO!
On August 28, 1996, the Macarena was at the top of the charts, Independence Day and Twister were filling movie theaters, dial-up internet was still considered cutting-edge technology… and Mark Zipeto began his career with Dunedin Fire Rescue.
Today, exactly 30 years later, we are proud to recognize Deputy Fire Chief Mark Zipeto for three decades of dedicated service to the City of Dunedin and our community.
Throughout his career, Chief Zipeto has held every rank within Dunedin Fire Rescue, working his way through the organization to his current position as Deputy Fire Chief of EMS Operations. Along the way, he has helped shape our department and has been part of some of the most significant challenges and advancements in our history.
Chief Zipeto has deployed on wildland strike teams responding throughout the State of Florida, served during numerous hurricanes and major emergencies, and led our EMS operations through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since taking leadership of the EMS Division in 2017, his impact has been substantial. He helped establish a comprehensive mental health and peer-support program for our firefighters, recognizing the importance of taking care of those who spend their careers taking care of others.
He also developed our Paramedic Field Training Program, empowering experienced field paramedics to provide quality assurance, continuing education, mentorship, and on-scene EMS supervision for their respective shifts.
Chief Zipeto has also been instrumental in demonstrating the need for enhanced EMS resources in Dunedin, including advocating for the County-funded ALS Rescue at Fire Station 60, which has significantly strengthened emergency medical services for our community.
Thirty years in the fire service represents thousands of emergency calls, countless nights away from family, hurricanes, deployments, difficult incidents, lives impacted, firefighters mentored, and a career devoted to serving others.
Chief Zipeto’s experience and institutional knowledge are invaluable to Dunedin Fire Rescue, and his leadership has helped make our department what it is today.
Please join us in congratulating Deputy Fire Chief Mark Zipeto on 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Dunedin.
Chief, thank you for your leadership, your friendship, your commitment to our firefighters, and most importantly, your three decades of service to the citizens of Dunedin.
Congratulations on 30 years, Chief Zipeto! Here’s to the next chapter! 🚒🔥
