Chief Patrick (Rick) is the Deputy Chief of Estero Fire Rescue in Estero FL. He is currently responsible for over sight of the Support Services Squad which includes Human Resources, Information Technology, Buildings and Grounds, and Safety.

Rick comes to EFR with twenty-nine years diverse experience in Emergency Services.  Rick is a nationally recognized leader, educator, lecturer, author, speaker, and consultant in emergency services. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Safety with a concentration in Emergency Services, and a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Saint Joseph’s University, in Philadelphia. Chief Patrick is nationally certified in Homeland Security Level III. He has been involved in local and national politics, and is an alumnus of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Lebanon Valley program.

Chief Patrick is Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) National Advisory Board. He serves as chairperson of the NAEMT Health & Safety Task Group and is a Principal Member of the Technical Committee on EMS for the National Fire Protection Association.

Rick is a member of the NAEMT, IAFC, IAFC-EMS and Health & Safety Sections, National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE), International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI), and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association. Rick also serves as a Team Leader for one of Florida’s Line of Duty Death (LODD) Local Assistance Support Teams for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Support Services

at Estero Fire Rescue

The Support Services Squad is charged with keeping our employees working, communicating and functioning safely through employment best practices, state-of-the-art technology and operationally sound facilities.

Support Services

The Deputy Chief of Support Services is charged with the direction, support, coaching and oversight of Human Resources, Information Technology, and Facility Maintenance.
Many functions and processes occur around the clock as a result of the responsibilities and actions of the Support Services Squad.  The Squad handles numerous functions that affect every employee. As the repository for all Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines (SOP/SOG) including development, review and refinement, the Squad began a several year project to create an employee handbook from the framework of existing SOP/SOGs. Sound, functional, practical, and DOABLE procedures and guidelines inform, guide and keep employees on the intended path.

Human Resources

In 2006, the Support Services Squad began a new era for EFR through forming a Human Resources department and promoting a Human Resource Coordinator.

Linda Conway has been employed with Estero Fire Rescue since April of 1998. Beginning her tenure with EFR as the Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief and currently specializing in the human resource area as the Human Resource Coordinator.

The Human Resource department is responsible for managing all phases of human resources activity.  Essential to all components of EFR, HR responsibilities include orientation, pre-employment checks, maintaining personnel transactions, personal medical files, employee statistics, insurance services, benefit program management, training in human resource related issues, and addressing inquiries to all EFR policies, procedures and programs.  The HR department is the repository for all EFR Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines.           

Information Technology

The Information Technology department is responsible for a comprehensive range of technology for Estero Fire Rescue (EFR). LuAnn Delo is the Information Technology Administrator for Estero Fire Rescue.

LuAnn was employed by EFR in March of 2000 after serving almost 13 years with Bonita Springs Fire Rescue.  She was originally hired as System Administrator and moved to Information Technology Administrator in June 2006.
 
LuAnn is responsible for a wide range of technology for Estero Fire Rescue.   She manages projects providing computer network security and support, workstation help desk support, telephony communications, along with researching and evaluating future technology needs for EFR, and assures all equipment is maintained and functional.
 
In addition she prepares, manages and maintains annual budgetary needs, creates and reviews policies and procedures as it relates to EFR’s information technology infrastructure.
 
As an active member of the Florida Association of Public Information Officers Deployment Team, LuAnn, Information Technology Specialist, ensures that the Public Information Officer(s) Tactical Packages, (TacPacs) are functional and equipped with communications equipment to be used by team members deployed in disaster situations.

Information Technology (IT) manages the overall computer network and related software. IT provides computer network security, workstation help desk support, and video and telephonic communications. EFR uses the comprehensive Firehouse Software system in addition to other specialized programs. Coupled with researching and evaluating future technological needs, IT assures all EFR equipment is maintained and functional.

Facility Maintenance

Facility Maintenance keeps the stations and office areas functioning. Dozens of routine tasks and general maintenance projects are conducted annually. Maintenance also provides oversight of contractors who work on EFR property.

In addition to aforementioned components, the Support Services Squad provides oversight to:

• SOP/SOG, Safety and Performance Evaluation committees
• Administration Building Project
• EFR Extended Attack – Our 5 Year Operational Plan
• Safety and Risk Management Training for Staff
• Internal Affairs and Investigations
• Chief Patrick also serves as the Fire District's Safety Officer.

Human Resources = Keeping Our Employees Working
Information Technology = Keeping Our Employees Communicating
Facilities Maintenance = Keeping Our Facilities Functioning

You may reach the Support Services Squad by calling (239) 390-8000