2023 TFD Annual Report - ADA Version

2023 has continued to be a year of positive growth in Titusville, enabling our resources to meet the needs of a growing community.

With this in mind, the City has made a substantial expansion in public safety with the approval of a fifth fire station to be operational by the spring of 2024.

As the number of residents and visitors continues to increase, Station 14 will be a tremendous asset in providing service to these new areas of development.

We are also expanding our workforce; adding to those who make up our teams of Fire Prevention and Operations.  It is truly motivating to be vested in a community with such a symbiotic relationship; receiving all the support we need, while being privileged to serve.

Looking back at all the achievements over the course of 2023, we cannot go without expressing our sincere thanks to City leadership, our elected officials, as well as those in our community who take an active interest in moving toward a positive future.

It is a joy to serve in Titusville, to those who live here, as well as the many visitors we see each year. 

Thank you,

John Hustoles, CFO

Fire Chief

Battalion Chief Team Spotlight

  • Battalion 1 - Michael Abernathy
  • Battalion 2 Adam Vaknin
  • Battalion 3 Gerald Ford
  • Battalion Chief of Administration Greg Sutton 

At the helm of the fire department's emergency response is a unique and dynamic leadership model that propels us forward — the Battalion Chief Team. Comprised of four adept individuals, this team collectively shoulders the responsibility of guiding our department through the ever-changing landscape of emergency response.

Each member of the Battalion Chief Team brings a distinct set of skills and experiences, contributing to a well-rounded and adaptable leadership approach. Their combined expertise ensures a comprehensive understanding of firefighting, emergency response, and organizational management.

The Battalion Chief Team operates on a rotational basis, with each member working a 24-hour shift in this leadership role. This innovative approach ensures that multiple perspectives and leadership styles are infused into the department's decision-making processes.

A hallmark of each Battalion Chief’s operation is a commitment to collaborative decision-making. During the rotational cycle, team members actively engage in discussions, drawing upon their diverse strengths to collectively address challenges and make informed decisions.

Smooth transitions between leadership rotations are a priority for the Battalion Chief Team. A well-defined handover process ensures that institutional knowledge is retained, and operational continuity is maintained, allowing for an agile response to emerging situations.

While each member brings individual strengths to the table, the Battalion Chief Team operates under a unified leadership vision. This cohesive approach fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the department, ensuring that strategic goals are consistently pursued.

The Battalion Chief actively engages with the community, representing the department with a shared commitment to transparency and collaboration. This collaborative outreach reinforces the department's role as a trusted partner in community safety.

Recognizing the importance of continuous improvement, the Battalion Chief spearheads various training and development initiatives. Their collective efforts prioritize the enhancement of skills across the department, promoting a culture of professional growth.

Colleagues and subordinate’s express admiration for the collaborative leadership style of the Battalion Chief Team. Captain Matt Johnson states, "The Battalion Chiefs set the drive and motivation for their individual shifts.” This quote highlights the impact that the Battalion Chief Team has on morale and departmental success.

Looking ahead, the Battalion Chiefs envision progressive individual growth and city-wide development, showcasing their adaptability and forward-thinking approach. Specific initiatives include a continued commitment to educational advancement, succession planning, and comprehensive training programs.

In conclusion, the Battalion Chief Team exemplifies united leadership in action. This rotational model, collaborative decision-making, and commitment to community engagement set a precedent for excellence within our fire department. As we continue our mission of service, we are grateful for the innovative and adaptable leadership provided by the Battalion Chief Team, guiding us with unity and vision into the future.

2023 Accomplishments

  • Purchase of security camera’s for all stations.
  • Purchase of PowerDMS software
  • Parrish grant for LUCAS device.
  • Delivery of Station 14 modular building. 
  • First Arriving IO digital dashboard station alerting software.
  • Ambu Man Advanced Training Manikin.

Department Recognition

Celebrating the accomplishments our personnel have achieved.

Unit Citation’s – Training Team

Matt Johnson, Tim Hammond, Pat King, Stephen Hartselle, Adam Vaknin, Brian Strong, Michael Abernathy, Matt Bowman

Unit Citation’s – Fire Marshal’s Office (Prevention)

Amanda Baumann, Kyle Mack, Lisa Ford, Doug Chamberlain.

Tenure Awards

10, 15 & 20 years of Honorable Service.

10 Years

Driver/Operator Roman Lane

Driver/Operator Jermaine McKoy

Driver/Operator Billy Wiegert

Firefighter Tim Hammond

Driver/Operator Shaun Holbrook 

15 Years

Fire Chief John Hustoles

20 Years

Lieutenant Doug Chamberlain

Lieutenant Lisa Ford

Deputy Chief Jeff Harris

Lieutenant William House

Lieutenant Brian Strong

Honorable Retirement

Lieutenant David Higginbotham

Educational Achievement

Deputy Chief Lucas Senger (Master’s Degree)

Lieutenant David Neeld (Bachelor’s Degree)

Honorable Service

Captain Matt Johnson

Exceptional Duty

Firefighter Luis Cordero

Medal of Honor

Lt. David Neeld and Driver/Operator Billy Wiegert

Chief’s Choice

Captain Matt Johnson

Employee of the Year

Administrative Assistant LaWanda Park

Rookie of the Year

Firefighter Jenifer Robbins

Firefighter of the Year

Driver/Operator Pat King


Budget & Statistics

TITUSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ADOPTED BUDGET

  • Total: $8,115,608
  • Personnel Total: $7,304,728
  • Operating Total: $810,880
  • Capital Outlay: 2023 Pierce Fire Truck & Associated Equipment: 1,800,000

Operating Expenses

  • Operating Expenditures - $810,880
  • Personnel Services - $7,304,728

Call Types

Average Response Time 4 min. 45 sec.

  • False Alarm - 746
  • Fire - 148
  • Medical - 6,808
  • Other - 2,737
  • Total Calls - 10,771

Training Hours

  • Company - 8,905.25
  • EMS - 2,730 
  • ARFF - 203.4 
  • ISO Training Hours - 25,298.70
  • Apparatus - 7,546.3
  • Driver/Operator - 1,696.25
  • Haz-Mat - 1,455.75
  • Officer - 2,761.25
  • Other Training Hours: 3,449.00
  • Facilities - 2,655.75
  • Speciality/Admin/Misc. - 793.25