An internationally accredited all‑hazards fire agency serving unincorporated Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota—plus EMS-only coverage in Nokomis and Englewood—across a 451 sq mile region with 37 mi of shoreline, protecting about 434,000 residents .
• Operates 21 county-owned stations plus shared and rescue-only stations (total 25 locations) .
• The department handles roughly 63,000 emergencies annually, including ~8,000 fires .
• Staffed by 500+ firefighter/EMTs and paramedics, supported by 30+ administrative & prevention personnel .
• ISO Protection Classification rating: 2/2Y, a high marks in fire suppression readiness .
• Core mission: “Strengthening community through a network of skilled professionals dedicated to saving lives and protecting property.”
SCFD responds to fire suppression, advanced life support EMS, haz‑mat, and technical rescue (e.g., high‑angle, trench, special‑ops) .
• Community outreach includes station open houses (car‑seat safety, helmet checks), CPR & AED training, and fire‑prevention education .
• Financially underpinned by a non‑ad valorem fire assessment, EMS millage, impact fees, user charges, and grants .