History

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History

The South Trail Fire Department was organized in 1966 by two prominent residents of the District, J. Foster Pate and Oscar Holmberg. Prior to the construction of the Department's first fire station, the Department operated out of a local gas station and was staffed by an all-volunteer force commanded by Chief Oscar Holmberg. The first fire apparatus was a 1000-gallon pumper donated by the Florida Division of Forestry. The first fire station, built in 1968, consisted of two bays, an office and sleeping quarters. Portions of this original structure are still in use at the Crystal Drive fire station.

South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District was created by the Florida Legislature in 1976.

History highlights include:

1968	The Department employs its first paid personnel.
1971	The Department employs its first paid fire chief, Al Bradford.
1973	The first new fire apparatus, a 1973 American LaFrance pumper is received.
1974	The Department is under the control of Lee County.
1976	The Florida Legislature creates seven independent fire control districts, including the South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District. Our service area is established and encompasses a 36-square mile area.
1979	Staffing is increased to 13 paid firefighters; the first fire inspector is hired.
1980	Thomas E. Zepp is appointed fire chief; the District has 10,680 permanent residents.
1984	The Daniels Road station is constructed; number of paid personnel is 26.
1986	The District has 39 employees, and responds to 1,438 calls for emergency service.
1990	The District has 23,914 permanent residents, a 124% increase from 1980.
1991	A new central fire station and administration facility located off Six-Mile Cypress Parkway is constructed. The District receives a new KME pumper equipped with a 750-gallon tank and a 1250 gpm pump.
1993	The District is one of a select few in the U.S. to receive an accelerant detection canine through a grant from the State Farm Insurance Company.
1995	The District employs 51 personnel and its total '95-'96 operating revenue from ad valorem taxes totals $3,688,121. The District responds to 3,305 calls for emergency service, and through its code enforcement programs, conducts 2,699 inspections.
1996	Gateway community residents overwhelmingly vote to be annexed into the District.
1997	Chief Clifford H. Paxson replaces the retiring Thomas E. Zepp as fire chief.
1998	An Advanced Life Support (ALS) Engine is placed in service at Station #2 which provides paramedic expertise on all calls.
2001	Station #4 is constructed in Gateway. An Open House at Station #3 commemorates the 25th year of the South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District.

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