Sarasota County (FL) Fire Department (SCFD) is a large career department, consisting of approximately 600 members. During the 2024 Safety Stand Down, SCFD paused regular training activities to raise awareness of the importance of firefighter health and safety.

The department conducted daily training with specific focus areas and sent out supplemental daily bulletins containing articles about mental health, fitness, and training. Leadership reviewed their policies and procedures and put up health and safety-related posters to keep these themes top-of-mind. In addition, crew members were provided with questionnaires and discussion prompts to encourage a dialogue among peers regarding safety.

To continue this focus on health and safety throughout the year, SCFD has created a wellness division and will continue distributing relevant information, encouraging discussion, and assessing their procedures and systems. They also have recently implemented a Life Scan program, which provides each member with a comprehensive medical examination and screening for any potential health concerns.