Fire chief updates Kiwanians on fire issues

Longboat Key Fire Recue Chief Paul Dezzi informed approximately 25 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key members at their weekly breakfast meeting April 23 that he’s preparing for Sarasota Memorial Hospital to become certified as a trauma hospital as soon as next week.

The move means that both ends of the island are served by a trauma hospital because trauma patients on the north end of the island are already served by Blake Hospital in Bradenton, which also has trauma certification.

“Nowhere else has a trauma hospital on both ends of their community,” Dezzi said.

It also means that in most instances, helicopter landings on the Key for emergency trauma transportation will likely go away for the most part.

“We’ll still call for a helicopter if traffic is backed up in season,” Dezzi said. “But that’s the only time you’ll see helicopters on the island.”

Dezzi also reported the department received a new red Chevrolet Tahoe that’s currently being striped for service.

“It’s a command vehicle that can communicate directly with firefighters in all aspects of what we do,” Dezzi said. “There’s been a need for one for years and we’re very excited about it.”

An assessment of the 30-year-old south fire station is being performed in two weeks to reveal whether the station, which has some structural issues, can be renovated or needs to be torn down and rebuilt.

Dezzi also reiterated his support for a 911 dispatch service from Sarasota County.

“I know the chief and I disagree on this,” Dezzi said. “But there’s no time delays with calls in Sarasota County and it’s the best decision in my opinion.” 

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].