Role of operations

The Operations squad utilizes the majority of Estero Fire Rescue’s resources, and is charged with delivering the majority of Estero Fire Rescue’s core services.

The Operations program includes the suppression of fires, emergency medical response, technical rescue, and other emergency mitigation. Operations employees spend a great deal of time in training, keeping their skills at the highest level possible.

They are also ambassadors to the community, often called upon to take part in community events and to assist in educational, life-safety presentations.

The Estero Fire District is protected by three shifts of operations personnel. Each shift works 24 hours and is off 48 hours. The Battalion Chiefs oversee the shifts and answer directly to the Operations Chief. A Company Officer oversees the crews at each station and answers to the Battalion Chief

The Operations Staff

at Estero Fire Rescue

The operations staff of Estero Fire Rescue consists of men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving, and saving, others. Since the majority of the nearly 3,000 emergency responses run in the last year have been medically related, more than half of our firefighters are Paramedics, complemented by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) in the remaining positions
   
All are trained professionals who take pride in their quick, efficient responses to emergency situations. While the quality of service from Estero Fire Rescue has often exceeded the expectations of the community, the operations staff of EFR is always training to improve their ability to provide emergency services even more!

Deputy Chief of Operations

Deputy Chief of Operations Scott Vanderbrook was born and raised in Newark, a small town in upstate New York. He started his fire career as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18 and belonged to the Deluge Hose Company as part of the Newark Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1989, Deputy Chief Vanderbrook moved to Florida to continue his firefighting career and was hired as a firefighter/EMT with the City of Oviedo Fire Department. Deputy Chief Vanderbrook worked his way up the ranks to Division Chief responsible for Training, Emergency Medical Services, public information and public education.

In November of 1998, Deputy Chief Vanderbrook was hired by Estero Fire Rescue to assist in the development and growth of a young organization and has served in many positions at Estero Fire Rescue over the past several years. Deputy Chief Vanderbrook is a member of the Lee County Fire Chief's Association and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, in which he has served on many committees within both organizations. He also serves as a task force leader for Florida Task Force #6 of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).

Deputy Chief Vanderbrook is a dedicated and driven individual who demands excellence not only from himself but from his staff, all who respond to 911 calls. "It's a rewarding career. Every day is different. You never know what will happen so you always have to be on top of your game, because you never know what will come up. Most importantly, it feels good to provide a high level of service to the public, our customers."

Deputy Chief Vanderbrook may be reached by calling 239.390.8000.