Eustis Fire Department

08/25/2026

At the August 20 Eustis City Commission Meeting, the Eustis Fire Department had the honor of recognizing team members through badge pinning and promotions. Join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals!

🚒 Badge Pinning:
FF/EMT Jacob Bluffstone
FF/EMT Mitchell Walgren

🔥 Promotion:
FF/ Medic Alexis Anderson
Eng/ Medic Garrett Griswold
Eng/Medic Mason Beebe
Eng/ EMT John McDermott
Eng/ EMT Gage Whitaker
Sr. Eng/ Medic Chris Benway
Sr. Eng/ Medic Adam Nelson
Lieutenant/Medic Kyle Bateman
Captain Jerry Donaldson

Their dedication highlights the commitment of the Eustis Fire Department to serving our community with the highest standard of excellence.

08/13/2026

Congratulations, FF/Paramedic Orlando Lorenzo! 🚑

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter/Paramedic Orlando Lorenzo on his promotion to EMS Field Training Officer (FTO)!

Orlando earned this opportunity through a process that included a written examination and a teach-back scenario, demonstrating his EMS knowledge, communication skills, and ability to effectively instruct and mentor others.

As an EMS FTO, Orlando will play an important role in developing our personnel, strengthening patient care, and maintaining the high standards expected at Eustis Fire Department.

Congratulations, Orlando, on this well-earned promotion!

08/11/2026

FINAL UPDATE: The repair work has been completed.

UPDATE: The gas leak has been controlled, and repair crews will be working throughout the day.

Updated Road Closures include:
🚧 Key Ave. and S Center St. intersection will be intermittently closed
🚧 Portions of Key Ave.

‼️ Gas Leak and Road Closure ‼️

The Eustis Fire Department is responding to a gas leak in the area of Key St and S Grove St. Residents have been evacuated from the area.

Please use caution in the area. We will provide updates as needed.

08/10/2026

🚨 NOW HIRING 🚨
The Eustis Fire Department is hiring a Deputy Fire Chief and a Life Safety Captain.

🔥 Deputy Fire Chief
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, helping shape the future of the department through strategic planning, administration, budgeting, accreditation, fire prevention, legislative initiatives, and organizational development.

🔥 Life Safety Captain / Department Health & Safety Officer
Lead the department’s growing Life Safety Division while overseeing fire inspections, code enforcement, community risk reduction, public education, and firefighter health and safety initiatives.

These are more than job openings – they are opportunities to help shape the future of the Eustis Fire Department. Apply online now at the link below. ⬇️

APPLY NOW: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/eustis

08/06/2026

Lt. Firefighter/Paramedic Jordan Burkholder and Firefighter/Paramedic Iman Mencia conducting CPR and AED training for our Public Utilities employees this week.

EFD is proud to support other Departments by extending our education efforts to city staff.

08/06/2026

A scheduled training will take place at LifePointe Church on Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7.

⚠️ North Lake County residents and visitors may notice an increased law enforcement presence on Thursday, August 6, at LifePointe Church in Eustis, and on Friday, August 7, at Umatilla Middle School during the morning and afternoon hours.

This is only a scheduled training exercise as the Lake County Sheriff's Office School Resource Unit conducts its annual Active Assailant Training. There is no threat to the public.

This annual training helps our School Resource Deputies sharpen their skills and maintain the readiness needed to respond to emergency situations.

We appreciate your understanding as our School Resource Unit participates in this important training to help keep our students, staff, and schools safe.

08/03/2026

⚠️ Notice - Gas Smell in Area ⚠️

The Florida Gas Transmission has completed a system purge.

Due to this, residual gas smell will remain in the David Walker Ave. and Kurt St. area for 1 - 2 hours.

07/30/2026

Beginning on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Kelleher will officially assume the role of Fire Chief for the City of Eustis Fire Department.

This leadership change follows the well-earned retirement of Michael Swanson, who served the City of Eustis as Fire Chief for more than 11 years.

To read the full announcement about incoming Fire Chief Shawn Kelleher, visit the City of Eustis website at: https://www.eustis.org/Latest-News/Latest-News/City-of-Eustis-Welcomes-Incoming-Fire-Chief

07/23/2026

Join us in welcoming Tony Russell, our new fire inspector. Proper fire inspection plays an important role and preserving the safety of our community.

In fact, Tony has a bit of information to share about fire preparedness and inspections.

🔥 How can the Fire Prevention Bureau partner with our community to make Eustis even safer?
We encourage residents, business owners, schools, civic organizations, and neighborhood groups to work with us. Whether it's scheduling inspections, requesting fire safety presentations, asking questions about fire code requirements, or simply reporting potential hazards, communication is key.

🔥 What's one fire safety tip everyone watching should put into practice today?
If you do one thing today, check your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms provide early warning that can give your family the time needed to escape safely. It's a simple step that saves lives.

🔥 What steps can families take today to make their homes safer?
Some of the most effective fire safety measures are also the simplest. Test your smoke alarms every month, practice a home escape plan, keep cooking areas clear and make sure everyone knows how to call 911 in an emergency.

🔥 What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
The part I enjoy most is helping people before an emergency ever happens. Every inspection, every safety presentation, and every conversation with a business owner or resident is an opportunity to prevent injuries, protect property, and potentially save lives. Knowing that our work helps keep families, businesses, and first responders safer is what makes this career so rewarding.

Welcome to the team, Tony!

07/15/2026

🔥 SAFETY TIP

Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day—the perfect time to ensure your furry family members are protected from fire hazards. 🐾🚒

Here are a few tips to get you started.

•Secure electrical cords
•Plan your evacuation
•Remove or cover stove k***s
•Invest in flameless candle

And remember to give your pet a treat today. Tell them it was from us!