The residents of Vero Beach and the entire Indian River County area have a significant reason to be proud of their local first responders this week. In a display of elite skill and technical expertise, the Indian River County Fire Rescue Hazardous Materials Team has secured first place at the 12th annual Florida Hazardous Materials Team Competition.
Held on Wednesday at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center, this prestigious event brought together top-tier emergency response teams from across Florida and North Carolina. The competition is designed to push first responders to their limits, simulating high-pressure, real-world hazardous materials incidents to test both speed and precision.
To take home the top honors, the Indian River County squad had to demonstrate superior performance across several technical categories. The judges evaluated the teams on a variety of critical skills, including:
The victory serves as a testament to the department’s rigorous training regimen and commitment to public safety. Indian River County Fire Chief David Johnson expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, noting that their success reflects the high standard of service provided to the community.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication, skill and preparedness of our Hazardous Materials team. Their first-place finish brings pride to our department and highlights the professionalism and expertise we bring to the community we serve.”
The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners also issued a formal statement congratulating the team on their win. For residents of the Treasure Coast, this recognition offers peace of mind, confirming that the local crews standing ready to respond to environmental hazards and complex emergencies are among the very best in the Southeast.
