St. Lucie County Fire District News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2008
Votinelli Named Firefighter of the Year by St. Lucie County Fire District
St. Lucie County, FL – FF/Paramedic Al Votinelli was named Firefighter of the Year by the St. Lucie County Fire District (SLCFD).
Al Votinelli has been with the SLCFD since March 25, 2002. The journey to that point was filled with many obstacles and challenges. He had wanted to be a firefighter for most of his adult life, even reaching back to his native New York City, but timing and opportunity didn’t seem to materialize. FF Votinelli was an accomplished welder and industrial mechanic; however, he states, “there always seemed to be a void with respect to fulfillment.” In 1994 he and his wife moved to Port St. Lucie to raise their family. In January 1995 he began the quest to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. Once again, this would prove to be no easy task. Timing, opportunity, and the ability to provide for his family while pursuing the required training, was a very difficult and at times seemed to be an insurmountable endeavor. Finally, in 2001 he was able to complete his EMT and Fire-Recruit training.
“It was a long and difficult struggle, but the job is everything I dreamt it would be and more,” said Votinelli.
He was first assigned to Station #15 on Avenue D in Ft. Pierce. He responded out of that Station for three years. While a firefighter, he went to paramedic school and graduated at the top of his class. He received an Associates Degree in EMS and is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree. FF/PM Votinelli has recently been appointed to the Special Operations Team at Station #14 in St. Lucie West.
“Working with Al has been an honor and a privilege,” explained Ron Parrish, SLCFD Fire Chief. “He brings to the profession and the Fire District a sense of honor that is bestowing that of Firefighter of the Year. I am sure he will continue to represent this award throughout his career.”
Since 2004 Votinelli has been the MDA coordinator for the St. Lucie Co. Firefighter “Boot Drives.” He has always wanted to become involved in a charitable cause, and MDA’s tradition with the firefighters was a natural fit. He has run successful campaigns, most recently raising over $65,000 in last year’s MDA Drive. “It’s the dedication, commitment and hard work of our Firefighters, coupled with the kind and generous donations by the citizens of our county that creates this type of success!” explained Votinelli.
FF/PM Votinelli is quite active in the community and works in various capacities with many other charitable organizations including, the Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Relay for Life and the Salvation Army. Several of those are through his work with the Firefighters Local 1377, where he is Vice President of Line Personnel.
“The challenges encountered during this journey have been well worth it,” explained Votinelli. “I take enormous pride in being involved in the tradition of the fire service, working with the extraordinary men and women of the SLCFD and responding to the needs of our community. My career has provided me with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment beyond compare,” said Votinelli. “Being awarded the Firefighter of the Year is an exceptional honor and simply overwhelming.”
Votinelli and his wife Arlene have four children and happily reside in Port St. Lucie.
# # #
St. Lucie County Fire District News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2008
Cold Weather Increases Chances of Fire Caused by Faulty Heating Equipment
Faulty heating equipment is responsible for over 40% of winter home fires and is the 2nd leading cause of fires year-round according to the National Fire Safety Council. With this is mind, the St. Lucie County Fire District urges all residents to make sure they follow manufacturers’ instructions when using heating equipment such as space heaters.
“With the cold weather, people are using creative ways to keep warm, but they need to make sure they are safe,” said SLCFD Fire Chief Ron Parrish. “Do not use an old space heater with frayed electrical wiring or rusty parts.”
Safety Tips
Keep all heating units at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Remember to maintain the 3-feet rule all the way around any space heater (both sides and the rear). Fueled heaters must be vented to prevent carbon monoxide from building up in your home.
Install and maintain smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers. Create a home escape plan and practice it often. This may save your life.Never use charcoal grills, camping lanterns, or generators to warm a home. They emit carbon monoxide.Portable Heaters
- Never touch a heater while in use or leave one unattended especially near children and pets.
- Keep heaters away from curtains, pillows, blankets, throws and high traffic areas.
- Turn off or unplug heaters when you leave the room, go to sleep, or when not in use.
- Never use a heater to heat food, dry clothing, or for outdoor use.
- Never place your heater on a rug.
- Let your heater cool for at least 5 minutes before moving it.
- Leave repairs to professionals.
Electric Space Heaters
- Look for safety devices including an alarm, tip-over switch, and an overheating cut-off device. Watch for overheating.
- Keep heaters away from water. Never touch one when you are wet.
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet.
- Keep the heater off its cord.
- Pull the plug, not the cord to unplug.
Kerosene Heaters
- Use with proper ventilation. Never use near flammable liquids, aerosols, or oils.
- Check the wick twice a month for cleaning.
- Refuel cooled heaters outdoors, using approved kerosene (not the scented oils).
Make sure your kerosene heater has a protective cage around it.
# # #
St. Lucie County Fire District
News Release
Contact: Catherine Whitaker
Public Information Officer
St. Lucie County Fire District
772-201-2490
cwhitaker@slcfd.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2007
St. Lucie County Fire District Dedicates New Fire Station
St. Lucie County, FL – The St. Lucie County Fire District will held a “fire hose uncoupling ceremony” in lieu of a ribbon cutting ceremony today to open their new Fire Station #2 on Hutchinson Island.
The Station, completed earlier this month, replaces a fire station built in 1967 which was located about a quarter mile west of the new facility on Seaway Drive. The new station is 6,244 square feet and has two drive-through bays for the fire engine and rescue truck. The cost of the new station is $1.7 million.
The Station is unique because it also has office space for law enforcement. The Ft. Pierce Police Department will have a satellite office at Fire Station #2.
The Station will house a rescue truck and quint. The quint, which is a fire engine with a ladder, was too large to be housed in the old station. Quints are used during high-rise structure fires. As with all the fire stations in St. Lucie County, Station #2 will be home to five firefighters at a time, as they work 24-hour shifts.
“This station will give us the ability to house an apparatus that will provide enhanced high rise protection on the Island,” according to Fire Chief Ron Parrish.
The Station received close to 900 calls last year. Because of it’s location on Hutchinson Island, the Station responds to many water related incidents, including swimming and boating accidents as well as shark bites.
# # #
