Fire department open house showcases the tools behind rescues

By Ian Swaby
| 11:00 a.m. May 20, 2025

Jackson Foscolos, 12, poses with his mother Jennifer Foscolos, brother Mason Foscolos, 9, and grandparents Hans and Leslie Rode.

Sarasota
Neighbors

The Sarasota County Fire Department's monthly open houses are a chance for the public to gain first-hand experiences at local fire stations.

Yet for 12-year-old Jackson Foscolos, it wasn't the first visit to Station 4 on Old Bradenton Road in Sarasota. Each year, when possible, his family celebrates what one of his teachers coined his "rebirth day," April 6, at the station.

For Jackson's family, the open house event was a very meaningful experience.

"It means a lot knowing that a lot of these people saved me," said Jackson.

At age four, Station 4, as well as Station 1 rescued Jackson, after he slipped and fell into the backyard pool while wearing jeans and sneakers and was found unresponsive.

The family administered CPR before the fire department staff, which included Jackson's grandfather Hans Rode, who was with Station 4 for 23 years and was also present at the open house.

"Because it is Station 4, and they mean so much to our family, both from the history of Grandpa working here and for their involvement in Jackson's survival, we had to come out and be part of this event," said Jackson's mother and Hans' daughter Jennifer Foscolos.

After the incident, Jackson was flown to All Children's Hospital, which he walked out of two weeks later.

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"We celebrate the miracle that he is... We celebrate with the fire stations when we are able to on (April 6), because you just can't ever put into words, what it means to thank somebody for saving your child's life," Jennifer said.

Held each month at a different station, the open house events offer the public a chance to meet local firefighters, see the firehouse, apparatus and equipment, meet community partners like Humane Society of Sarasota County and Suncoast Blood Bank, and receive free bike helmet fittings and car seat inspections.

This month's open house followed the department's receipt of international recognition with the Heart Safe Community award, which is issued by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and recognizes excellence in addressing cardiac emergencies.

The department's risk reduction program includes outreach like hands-only CPR training with an automated external defibrillator at public high schools, local businesses and homeowner associations.

Tyler Curcio helps Mia Isabella Urquiza, 4, take the drivers' seat.

Brisa of Humane Society of Sarasota County poses on the antique fire truck.

firefighter/EMT Christina Newport, Catherine Sarmiento, Mia Isabella Urquiza, 4, and Raul Urquiza

Cassie Vassallo represented Suncoast Blood Bank, which provides the fire department with the blood it uses during rescues.

Tyler Curcio shows Mason Foscolos, 9, how to use the fire hose.

Fire inspectors Jerod Berry and Heath McDaniel showcased information on fire prevention.

Mary Kate Rea prepares a bike helmet for Brianna Kohn, 7.

Mason Foscolos, 9, hugs firefighter/EMT Christina Newport.

Dakota Haberland waves to passerby on the road.

Dakota Haberland, Charlie Reeder and Christina Newport (back) sing "Happy Birthday" to Mia Isabella Urquiza, 4, held by her mother Catherine Sarmiento.

Firefighter/EMT Eduardo Torres demonstrates CPR.

Brian Nadler, Assistant Chief of EMS, said for the department, the Heart Safe Community award was — Firefighter/EMT Eduardo Torres demonstrates CPR. Brian Nadler, Assistant Chief of EMS, said for the department, the Heart Safe Community award was "extremely humbling." "It's an entire ecosystem," he said. "From the time the call is received in dispatch, they give them CPR instructions. The people in the home or in the community do CPR until we get there. We get there and transfer them to the hospital. It's that whole system that was recognized."

An antique fire truck from the Sarasota Benevolent Firefighters Fund can be found at Station 4.

Alejandro Castro, 5, poses with firefighter/paramedic Diego Gutierrez.

Firefighters Dakota Haberland, Charlie Reeder and Christina Newport talk with Jessica Carrillo, and her fiancee Dawson Wood

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.