Fire District History
The origins of today's St. Lucie County Fire District date back to 1906, when community leaders met in Fort Pierce to establish a volunteer fire department and improve fire protection for local residents and businesses. During that meeting, W.E. Tylander was appointed the department's first Fire Chief, and the City's first fire engine, a Howe Number 38 pumper, was approved for purchase. The newly formed department consisted of 33 volunteer firefighters assigned to engine and hose companies.
As the community grew, so did the fire department. In 1910, the organization underwent a reorganization and expanded its firefighting capabilities with the purchase of an additional pumper. In 1913, R.E. Mims was appointed Fire Chief and played a significant role in the department's early development. The first Central Fire Station was constructed in 1924 at Avenue A and U.S. 1, followed by a new Central Fire Station in 1954 at 7th Street and Avenue D.
The organization has operated under several names throughout its history. It was originally established as the Fort Pierce Fire Department in 1906. In 1959, an act of the Florida Legislature created the St. Lucie County/Fort Pierce Fire District, reflecting the agency's expanding service area and responsibilities. In 1996, the organization adopted its current name, the St. Lucie County Fire District.
In the late 1960s, the Fire District began providing basic medical care in the field, and by 1972 had expanded to provide emergency medical services and patient transport. Over the decades, the District continued to grow in personnel, apparatus, stations, and services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.
Today, the St. Lucie County Fire District has grown from a volunteer fire company with a single fire engine into a modern, all-hazards emergency response agency providing fire rescue, emergency medical services, special operations, community risk reduction, and public safety services throughout St. Lucie County.