Maitland Fire-Rescue Celebrates Centennial Anniversary of Service and Safety

Maitland Fire-Rescue marks a century of service, emphasizes safety

Maitland Fire-Rescue, established in 1926, continues its long-standing tradition of providing emergency services to the community. The department, now celebrating its centennial year, operates under the leadership of Fire Chief Chris Morton, who emphasizes a "customer-service oriented" approach to emergency response.

Chief Morton expressed pride in leading a "dedicated and professional team of first responders." He noted the department's structure aims to deliver high-quality emergency services, reflecting a strong sense of ownership among its members. Morton stated, "I look forward to carrying on a tradition of professional and compassionate service to our community."

The department actively promotes community preparedness through various initiatives. Maitland Fire-Rescue previously offered a certified CPR and AED class on April 22 at City Hall. This free course provided vital life-saving skills to residents.

Maitland Fire-Rescue also highlights critical safety concerns, particularly regarding railroad crossings. National data from 2024 showed over 2,200 collisions with trains, resulting in 268 deaths and 749 injuries. Florida ranked third highest for such collisions. A driver faces a 20 times higher risk of fatality in a crash with a train compared to a collision with another car.

With hurricane season running from June through November, the department urges residents to prepare. A key recommendation involves assembling a three-day emergency preparedness kit, including basic supplies and other necessities. Residents can find more information on emergency preparedness and services through the Maitland Fire-Rescue website, which serves as a resource for community engagement.