Special Operations

Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Team - (Task Force 2)

When a hazardous material (haz-mat) accident occurs, the Fire Department's Haz-Mat Team in place at Fire Station #2 on Sharer Road responds to the call. They respond to all Haz-Mat emergencies in the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. In addition, they are charged with response in the thirteen county area that encompasses the geographical area from the Apalachicola River east to Lake City and south to the Dixie County gulf coast. This out-of-territory response is mandated by the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF.) Additional team members are located at Fire Station #3 on South Monroe Street.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team - (Task Force 7)

If there is a rescue involving heavy vehicle extrication, vertical rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue or limited structural collapse rescue, the Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue  (USAR) Team, located at Fire Station #4 on West Pensacola Street jumps into action. These firefighters are highly trained in rescue operations. The Department has been appointed by the State of Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force to field an Urban Search and Rescue Team for the thirteen county area mentioned above.

Airport Operations

Your Airport safety is our concern and as such we have a station located at the Tallahassee International Airport which houses specialized equipment as well as firefighters. These firefighters have been trained in such areas as Airport Ramp Movement training and Airport Security training; vehicle-specific in-service training on the airport grounds; aircraft rescue and firefighting; and continual computer and field training in aircraft familiarization and rescue procedures for aircraft specific to Tallahassee International Airport.

Hydrant

Worried about that hydrant in your neighborhood? No need to be concerned. The City of Tallahassee Water Department performs hydrant testing annually. The Department tests not only City hydrants, but also Talquin hydrants, as they are a part of our water supply sy stem. Hydrant location is verified from a map produced by the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) department. Each hydrant is checked for obstructions, a pressure test is performed, cap threads are lubricated and all hydrants are checked for adequate water flow.

Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF)

Aside from the earlier mention of RDSTF performances, the Special Operations Division is also involved in several state working groups for Haz-Mat equipment and training specifications; Urban Search and Rescue equipment specifications and training issues; Field Operations Guide input and distribution; Standard Operation Procedure committee work and assistance with Field Exercise parameters and implementation.