Sumter County Fire & EMS

08/26/2026

A meaningful career isn’t just about what you accomplish — it’s about the impact you leave on others.

That is what Austin Thomas is working toward as he begins his career with Sumter County Fire & EMS.

Meet Austin Thomas, Firefighter/EMT and a member of Recruit Class 26-03. A native of Spring Hill, Florida, Austin’s path into Fire & EMS began with a conversation with a friend pursuing the same career. When Sumter County was the first to reach back out to him, Austin began learning more about SCFEMS and knew this was where he wanted to begin his journey.

For Austin, the goal goes beyond earning the title of firefighter. He is looking forward to building a meaningful career and making a positive impact on the people around him while continuing to learn throughout the years ahead.

Austin is also part of the first recruit class training in Sumter County’s new Joint Training Facility — something he describes as an honor. Being among the first recruits to use the training grounds makes this beginning even more meaningful as he prepares for the responsibilities ahead.

Outside of work, Austin enjoys soccer, working out, and playing Xbox. He also has a four-legged sidekick named Kalliope, a 35-pound rescue dog.

As Austin looks toward the future, his message to the community is simple: “I am always willing to help.”

A new career. A commitment to keep learning. And an opportunity to make a difference, one person at a time.

Welcome to the team, Austin Thomas.

08/25/2026

“Comfort is the enemy of growth.”

For Ron Rivera, growth is exactly what this journey is about.

Meet Ron Rivera, Firefighter/EMT and a member of Sumter County Fire & EMS Recruit Class 26-03. A Tampa native, Ronnie chose Fire & EMS because he wanted a career where he could make a real difference — and become part of a family that people can count on during their worst moments.

That desire to grow and serve is also what brought him to Sumter County. Ron was drawn to SCFEMS because of its strong training culture, aggressive approach to firefighting, and commitment to helping firefighters continually improve. Now, as part of the first recruit class training in Sumter County’s new Joint Training Facility, Ronnie says it is an honor to be part of history while helping set the expectations for what it means to train here.

For Ronnie, becoming a great firefighter isn't only about physical strength or mastering a skill. It is also about building strong relationships with his crew, and developing the traits and habits that benefit the people around him. Behind that drive is someone special — his mother, who Ron credits with bringing the same enthusiasm to every accomplishment in his life, whether big or small.

Looking ahead, Ron plans to continue challenging himself by earning his Paramedic certification, and completing his associate degree.

Keep growing. Keep learning. Keep pushing beyond comfortable.

Because when the call comes, our community deserves firefighters who are prepared.

Welcome to the team, Ron Rivera.

08/24/2026

Sometimes, all you need is an opportunity — what you do with it is up to you. 🔥

For Justin Leivas, Sumter County Fire & EMS provided that opportunity. Now, he is putting in the work to make the most of it.

Meet Justin Leivas, Firefighter/EMT and a member of Sumter County Fire & EMS Recruit Class 26-03. A native of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, Justin was drawn to Fire & EMS by the excitement of the job and the fact that every shift brings something different. When it came time to begin his career, he says Sumter County was the first department to give him an opportunity.

Now, Justin is focused on earning the bonds that come with being part of a fire service family and experiencing a career unlike any other. Every day of recruit training is another opportunity to learn, prove himself and prepare for the responsibility ahead.

Justin already has his sights set on where he wants that career to take him. Within his first five years with SCFEMS, he hopes to continue growing and eventually become a Driver Engineer.

Behind him is a strong support system. Justin credits his mom and dad with helping him along the way and his girlfriend with helping him study and stay focused throughout the process.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys working out, watching football and UFC and spending time with his two dogs and two cats. And if crab legs are on the menu, he’s probably not turning them down!

An opportunity opened the door.
Hard work will determine where it leads.

Welcome to the team, Justin Leivas.

08/21/2026

Sometimes the path you choose begins with the person who showed you the way.

For Sean Griffin, becoming a firefighter is more than the beginning of a career — it is a path inspired by his father.

Meet Sean Griffin, Firefighter/EMT and a member of Sumter County Fire & EMS Recruit Class 26-03. Originally from Indiana, Sean later moved to Florida and graduated from Eustis High School. His path to the fire service was inspired by his father, who influenced his decision to become a firefighter. Today, that connection has come full circle as Sean begins his career with Sumter County Fire & EMS, serving alongside the father who first inspired him to become a firefighter.

Throughout Sean’s journey, his father has remained his biggest supporter, helping guide him and pushing him to be better. Now, Sean is taking that example and putting in the work to build a career and legacy of his own.

As a member of the first recruit class training in Sumter County’s new Joint Training Facility, Sean is embracing the opportunities to train, learn, and prepare. His focus is simple: continue improving his abilities so he can better serve the public.

And he is already looking ahead. Sean hopes to continue challenging himself throughout his career with a goal of one day earning a position on the Special Operations Team.

Outside of the station, you’ll likely find Sean working out, spending time with friends or at church. But right now, he is focused on preparing for the responsibility that comes with serving his community.

Inspired by the generation before him.
Training for the responsibility ahead.
Building a legacy of his own.

Welcome to the team, Sean Griffin.

08/20/2026

“Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

For Michael Costa, choosing a career in Fire & EMS meant embracing change, challenging himself and stepping into a career where no two calls are ever quite the same.

Meet Michael Costa, Firefighter/EMT and a member of Sumter County Fire & EMS Recruit Class 26-03. Originally from Miami, Michael previously worked as an EMT for a private ambulance company before making the move to Sumter County — a big change that he says has given him a strong connection to his brothers at the station.

What first attracted Michael to Fire & EMS was the adrenaline and unpredictability of the job. What he is looking forward to now is something even bigger: constantly training, continuing his education and learning as much as he can throughout his career. His goal is to become what he calls a “jack of all trades.”

As part of the first recruit class training in Sumter County’s new Joint Training Facility, Michael says he is proud to be among the first to train here. Looking ahead, he hopes to earn his Paramedic certification and expand his knowledge of technical rescue operations, including confined space rescue.

Behind Michael’s drive is his mom, who he says continued to support him even during the moments when he doubted himself and helped him become the person he is today.

And when Michael isn’t training? You might find him exploring nature, hiking, taking photos or hanging out with his cat, Memphis.

Embrace the change.
Never stop learning.
Be ready for whatever comes next.

Welcome to the team, Michael Costa.

08/19/2026

“I will be there for them when they need me.”

Meet Mark Carpenter, Firefighter/EMT and a member of Sumter County Fire & EMS Recruit Class 26-03.

For Mark, choosing a career in Fire & EMS came down to one simple purpose: being there for someone when they need help.

Now, he is putting in the work to make that promise a reality.

Mark came to Sumter County through our Cadet Program and is now part of the first recruit class to train at our new Joint Training Facility. Every drill, every challenge, and every hour of training is preparing him for the day our community needs him most.

When asked what he is looking forward to in his career, Mark said it best: “Being a part of something that is bigger than myself and being there for the community.”

Supported by the family he credits with helping him reach this point, Mark is looking ahead to a career of continued learning, service, and answering the call.

This is more than training.

It is preparation for someone’s worst day.

It is a commitment to serve.

And for Mark Carpenter, the journey is just beginning.

Help us welcome Mark Carpenter to Sumter County Fire & EMS!

08/18/2026

Conditions permitting, staff from the Southwest Florida Water Management District will conduct a 458-acre prescribed fire at Green Swamp East in Sumter County starting at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 18. The burn unit is located 5 miles east of SR-471 and 9 miles west of SR-33. Sign up for email/text alerts about prescribed fires at WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurnsAlerts.

Prescribed burns play a vital role in protecting conservation lands from uncontrolled wildfires while promoting the health of Florida’s ecosystems. The District regularly conducts these controlled burns to maintain natural areas, support ecological balance and manage invasive vegetation for the benefit of native plants and wildlife.

All prescribed burns are authorized by the Florida Forest Service and subject to change based on weather and safety conditions. Learn more about the District’s prescribed burns and land management efforts at WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurns.

08/17/2026

Enjoy the Water. Put Safety First!

Sumter County Fire & EMS trains and prepares to respond to water-related emergencies, but you can do your part to help prevent emergencies before they happen.

Whether you're boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming or spending the day near the water, a few simple precautions can make a big difference:
🦺Wear a properly fitted life jacket
👀 Keep a close eye on children around water
🏊 Never swim alone and know your limits
⛈️ Watch the weather and changing water conditions
🚤 Stay alert and avoid distractions while boating
📍 Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return

SCFEMS is ready when you need us, but prevention starts with you.

Wear your life jacket. Stay alert. Make safe choices. And enjoy your time on the water safely!

https://youtu.be/IbP3d1sFmSw

A great day on the water starts with safety!Sumter County Fire & ...

08/14/2026

Conditions permitting, staff from the Southwest Florida Water Management District will conduct a 309-acre prescribed fire at Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve- East tract in Sumter County today (Aug. 14) at 10:30 a.m. The burn unit is located .75 miles east of SR 471. Sign up for email/text alerts about prescribed fires at WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurnsAlerts.

Prescribed burns play a vital role in protecting conservation lands from uncontrolled wildfires while promoting the health of Florida’s ecosystems. The District regularly conducts these controlled burns to maintain natural areas, support ecological balance and manage invasive vegetation for the benefit of native plants and wildlife.

All prescribed burns are authorized by the Florida Forest Service and subject to change based on weather and safety conditions. Notifications are posted on Facebook, X, and Nextdoor and WaterMatters.org.

Learn more about the District’s prescribed burns and land management efforts at WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurn

08/14/2026

🏈 Friday Night Lights are back, Sumter County! 🏈

As our local teams take the field this football season, Sumter County Fire & EMS is proud to support our schools, students, and community.

Our crews will be on standby at games throughout the season, ready to help keep players, families, and fans safe while everyone enjoys the action.

We encourage our community to get out, fill the stands, and support the talented student-athletes who work hard to represent their schools and Sumter County!

👏 Cheer loud.
🏈 Show your school spirit.
🚑 And know SCFEMS is there if you need us.

Good luck to all of our Sumter County teams this season!