Boca Raton, Florida: Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services, Advanced Life Support Competition Team A took 1st Place at the 1st Annual Advanced Life Support Competition held in Margate, Florida. The three member team
which consisted of Paramedic Lieutenants Shea Miller, Jeff Lazzeri and Firefighter/Paramedic James Haag were met with a grueling challenge. The team responded to a bus accident where they had to triage, treat and coordinate transportation for 21 patients with a variety of medical and traumatic emergencies. There were 11 teams that competed from South Florida and one international team from the Mexican Red Cross. In
May Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services will be hosting the 6th Annual Boca Raton EMS Challenge.
Competitions have become a valuable tool. Boca Raton Fire Rescue teams have been competing in events since 1981. The teams train hard all through out the year on their own time to prepare for competitions. Training and competing allows teams to network, share ideas, training methods and equipment. The information that is taken back to the department is shared during training sessions which helps to provide the highest quality of emergency care to our citizens.

At the convention center in Daytona Beach three local heroes from Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services were among those honored at the Fire Rescue East Conference and Seminar hosted by the Florida Fire Chiefs  Association. Assistant Fire Chief Dave Woodside was selected as Fire Marshal of the Year, Fire Explorer Chief Nick Galiardo of Boca Raton Fire Explorer Post #315 was selected as the Fire Cadet of The Year for 2012 and Frank Correggio was selected as the Fire Cadet Advisor of the Year for 2012. At last years conference Frank was selected as Public Information Officer of the Year for 2011. Frank recently retired in June started Fire Explore Post #315 in 2004. The young men and women who join are taught fire and medical skills. After their initial training they are permitted to ride along on emergency calls as observers with members of Boca Raton Fire Rescue. Explores volunteer their time with many different organizations performing hundreds of hours of community service. To date Boca Raton Fire Rescue has hired eight of its former Explores who have completed their schooling and passed the rigorous pre employment testing.

In the council chambers at City Hall, Mayor Susan Whelchel presented Assistant Fire Chief Dave Woodside with a proclamation in recognition for his services to the citizens of Boca Raton. Chief Woodside a 23 year veteran is the head of Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services Fire and Life Safety Division. He was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2002 and currently serves as President of the Florida Fire Marshals Association, Regional Director of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association and is the fire representative to the Palm Beach County Fire Code Board of Appeals and Adjustments. Among his achievements Chief Woodside was selected as Florida’s 2012 Fire Marshal of the Year. Through his dedicated service and devotion to duty Chief Woodside is responsible for numerous improvements in public safety which will help save lives and property.