PUBLIC EDUCATION DIVISION

Office hours, Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm  Phone (239) 949-6200  Fax (239) 949-6272

Debbi Redfield, Public Information Officer 

Nicole Giuliano, Assistant PES & PIO

Hollie Powell, Secretary

The mission of the Public Education Division is to provide public information, public education, and victim assistance to more than 45,000 full time residents of Bonita Springs.  

Fire and Life Safety Education

• CPR Classes:                        166 Students
• AED Classes:                        161 Students
• Fire Extinguisher Classes:   121 Students

                                               Total:  448 Students     

Community Relations

Over the past twelve years, the department has strived to increase public awareness of the services provided by BSFCRD, making public relations one of the most important tasks of the Public Education Division. The philosophy is that if our customers, the community's taxpayers, are aware of and pleased with the services provided, then they will be supportive of the path being carved for the District in the future.

During 2007, the department participated in numerous community events, including children's educational events, reading fairs, and parades, just to name a few.  At the community's largest events, such as the Celebrate Bonita Festival, Spring Creek Elementary School's Fun Fest, Annual Night Out Against Crime, and Lover's Key Outdoor Adventure Days, firefighters talk with the public and display equipment to promote life and fire safety awareness.  The events draw thousands of people and provide a unique opportunity to enhance the department's image and foster positive community relations.  

Clowning Around

Assistant Public Education Specialist Nicole Giuliano initiated a new program for the department in 2007 - Fire Safety Clowning.  The idea of clowning in fire safety public education program has been popular for years and is taught through the State Fire College in Ocala, Florida.  Our own Fire Safety Clown, aka Sizzle, made her debut at the Station Four open house event in October and made numerous appearances at community events during the past year.

Publications

In its ninth year of publication, FIRE FACTS, continues to deliver information about the department to nearly 30,000 households and businesses in Bonita Springs. This quarterly newsletter is designed for the public, and contains information on new equipment, training, safety topics and a message from the Fire Chief to update residents on happenings within the fire department. 

www.bonitafire.org

For the past eight years, the District has been able to share information with the public through our web site at www.bonitafire.org. Public Information Officer Debbi Redfield provides all text and photographs to Fire Marshal Tim Fernandez, who designs the web site.  Instead of working through an outside organization, the two continue to work together to update and maintain the web site. 

SAFE Home Project

2007 marked the 12th year of the Smoke Alarm for Every (SAFE) Home Project.  By raising funds throughout the year; the Public Education Division distributed free smoke alarms to nearly 600 kindergarten students.  The program costs about $4,500 per year.

Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to Bonita Springs Fire-Rescue

ATTN: Safe Home Project, 27701 Bonita Grande Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34135  

For more information on the SAFE Home Project, call 239-949-6200

Safe Place

The District continues its participation in the Safe Place Youth Shelter Program sponsored by Lutheran Services.  Any fire station, store , restaurant, or other building displaying the yellow and black "Safe Place" logo sign is an official safe haven.  Youths are instructed, through training programs in the schools, to go to a "Safe Place" location if they are in crisis.  Our firefighters are trained to comfort the youth and then contact Safe Place.  A Safe Place volunteer; who is trained in crisis intervention techniques, responds to the fire station.  The troubled youth is counseled by the volunteer and returned home, or if necessary, transported by the volunteer to the Oasis Youth Shelter in Fort Myers.

Media Relations

The department's Public Information program continued to enjoy an exceptional relationship with the media.  The media continued to serve as a viable vehicle for bolstering the community's image of the fire department, promoting safety topics and classes, and informing residents of new equipment and specialized training.

As the fire department's public information officer (PIO), Debbi Redfield responds when needed to structure fires, brush fires, car crashes involving roll overs, entrapment or fatalities, hazardous materials call and other large-scale incidents to provide information to the media and residents.

In an effort to promote the department on a large scale, the PIO sends news articles and submits photographs to statewide, national, and international publications.

Fire Prevention Month

In support of Annual Fire Prevention Month, the Public Education Division promoted fire safety and prevention practices.  Throughout October, the public education specialist and firefighters made fire safety presentations to each classroom in Bonita Springs, from kindergarten to sixth grade.  This one-on-one opportunity allows members of the department to spend quality time with more than 3,000 children to relay safety messages and to answer questions.  The department continues to enjoy an excellent rapport with school administrators, teachers, and students.  Children also learned about fire safety through fire station tours.  

Injury Prevention

The department has continued to work with other agencies to promote injury prevention throughout Lee County.  Being a member of groups such as the Lee County Safe Kids Coalition and the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition provided numerous opportunities to network with others who are dedicated to the same cause.

The Victim Assistance Program

Nine years ago, the Public Education Division realized a need that wasn't being fully met on emergency scenes - emotional first aid.  This program delivers additional support to victims beyond the emergency response, such as coordinating with the American Red Cross for assistance with lodging, clothing, food, and emotional first aid for other such needs.

BSFCRD Begins CERT Program

Bonita Springs Fire-Rescue began offering the Community Emergency Response Team class (CERT) Program in December.  Students are instructed in disaster preparedness, fire safety, extinguisher training, disaster medical operations, search and rescue, disaster psychology, and terrorism.  Public Education Assistant Nicole Giuliano coordinates this program.  The two-hour classes are offered over eight weeks.  There is no fee for the course.  At the conclusion of the program, members participate in a disaster simulation and receive a CERT disaster backpack and certificate.  MORE INFO...

Educational Programs for the Community

The department continued its education programs for the business community in 2007 by offering life and fire safety presentations on topics such as CPR, home and office fire safety, fire extinguisher operation, and building safety features.  Some of the businesses that participated in this training included Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs Utilities, Pelican Landing, Spanish Wells, FPL, The Vista's, the Bonita Springs Library, and others.

Go to "Public Safety Classes" to see more about our programs that we offer.

YOUTH DAY AT BONITA SPRINGS FIRE-RESCUE

Bonita Springs Fire-Rescue held their first Youth Day for students in the community on Saturday, April 12. Participating students were taught the everyday activities of life as a firefighter, how to become a firefighter, and what is expected of them. They were also taught the physical and educational requirements of a firefighter. The program is intended for students between the ages of 13-18. The students began their day at Bonita Springs Station 1, 27490 Old 41, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135 at 7:30 am and finished at 4:00 pm.  Firefighters educated the group on the background of the fire department in Bonita Springs. In addition, individual firefighters spoke to the students about their own experiences with the fire service and what they’ve done to achieve their careers. Students worked together as a group and individually as they assisted the firefighters with their morning chores and daily activities. Students were able to watch and participate in training activities that were scheduled as firefighters narrated the events. Students then participated in an obstacle course that instructed them on what is required to be hired as a firefighter. At the conclusion of the day students received a certificate of completion and a certificate for volunteer hours to submit for graduation. 

For more Information, contact Nicole Giuliano at 239-949-6228

Copyright (c) 1999 - 2008, Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District