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Public Safety delivers annual report; county to impose burn ban as cold, dry conditions persist
Summary
Public Safety Director Earl Wheaton presented the FY24‑25 annual report covering emergency responses, training and preparedness; the department announced a countywide burn ban starting Saturday due to dry conditions, introduced a new 9‑1‑1 coordinator and noted recent hires for fire/EMS staffing.
Okeechobee County’s Public Safety leadership presented the department’s FY24‑25 annual report and outlined near‑term operational steps, including a temporary countywide burn ban beginning Saturday because of dry conditions.
Earl Wheaton, public safety director and fire chief (speaker 22), said the department managed 7,480 responses last fiscal year — more than 20 calls per day — and emphasized increased EMS demand and high‑acuity incidents. "These investments are important...especially when you consider the types of calls our crews are handling," said Justin Hazely (speaker 23), deputy public safety director, while outlining equipment replacements and plans for a new fire station funded partly through state allocations.
Preparedness and staffing: Bureau chiefs reported community risk reduction, 18,000 training hours, and emergency‑management exercises with regional partners; the department also secured approximately $285,000 in 9‑1‑1 grant reimbursements and is moving forward with next‑generation 9‑1‑1 upgrades. The board was introduced to Samantha Harrell, the new full‑time 9‑1‑1 coordinator, who will lead local improvements in call routing and mapping.
Burn ban and community services: Because of ongoing drought and low humidity, staff announced a countywide burn ban to prohibit yard and open burning starting Saturday; the ban will not affect Florida Forest Service‑authorized burns, staff said. Commissioners were also told warming‑center usage had increased during cold nights and that the county is coordinating shelter capacity with partners.
Personnel note: The department announced two firefighter trainees have been hired and that a senior public safety official will retire effective March 6; commissioners thanked staff for service and said they will manage the transition.
Next steps: The department will proceed with equipment purchases, the next phase of next‑generation 9‑1‑1 migration, and public outreach on the burn ban and warming‑center availability.
