History
Fire service in Lehigh Acres began in 1961 when a small group of volunteers created the Lehigh Acres Firemen’s Association. The names of the founders are inscribed on a plaque at our administration building (the original Station 102): President, Chester Boswell; Vice President, George Earle; Secretary, McHenry Brown; Treasurer, Bill Coleman; and charter members Chester Jakubzak, Frank Rasnake, and Otto Strand.
In 1962, the Fire Belles organized, giving their time and talents to running weekly community games and other fundraisers to purchase needed items for the volunteer department. In those days, firefighters were all volunteers, elected their own officers, and held their meetings in a house that also served as Lehigh’s first elementary school. Knowing the acquisition of firefighting equipment was important, and having no money available to purchase it, the officers and volunteers walked door-to-door collecting donations from the community. After collecting $500, the association purchased a converted aircraft crash rescue truck from the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department – Lehigh’s Engine No. 1.
On August 31, 1962, the volunteers completed a firefighting course at the Florida State Fire College and were ready to handle most Lehigh Acres fire emergencies.
The first fire “station” was located in an alley between a gas station and a laundromat near the intersection of Homestead and Alabama Road. A roof was erected over the truck so the cab did not fill up with water during rainy season, and volunteers at the time were contacted via a special “fire bar” hooked up to their telephones.
In January 1964, the first Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Commissioners took office. At the time, the Governor appointed the commissioners, so the names of Boswell, Earle, and Brown were submitted and subsequently accepted. Elmo Lawshe was the first Fire Chief.
1965 was a busy year for the District and saw the purchase of the department’s first real engine, a John Bean.
On May 22, 1965, the present fire station on Homestead Road was dedicated. It was a big day for the Lehigh community, with over 600 residents joining elected officials and local businesses to celebrate the opening of the station and watch firefighting demonstrations. By that time, there were four regular firefighters on the payroll, utilizing two firefighting vehicles (the old crash truck and the new engine).
In 1969, the department acquired its first rescue unit, providing a much-needed service to the community. The department would later hire paramedics and provide Advanced Life Support Treatment in 1981.
In 1972, a new rescue unit was added to the fleet. The 1972 Ford cargo van came equipped with a radio, siren, chair and cot. Money for the $4,500 unit was raised during weekly bingo games hosted by the Fire Belles. The Rescue Squad provided services for free to Lehigh Acres residents; although they were unable to leave the boundaries of Lehigh Acres. This meant when transporting a patient to a Lee County hospital, the rescue squad would transport them to the boundary line to transfer the patient to a Lee County ambulance.
Planning for a second fire station began in 1974, and after several community debates on location, the station on Joel Blvd (now Station 101) was constructed. In June 1977, the new firehouse was dedicated and the public attended an open house to celebrate Lehigh’s continued growth. The opening of the new station led to the hiring of six new firefighters to call the station home. Rebuilt in 2020 following damage sustained in 2017 from Hurricane Irma, the building’s original tower still stands.
In 1981, the community mourned the tragic death of Firefighter William Ziegler. Firefighter Ziegler suffered a heart attack while battling a brush fire set by arsonists on January 18. Five people were later arrested in connection to the fires. Firefighter Ziegler had retired from the New York City Fire Department after 21 years of service and worked for Lehigh Acres for 5 years prior to his death. His passing underscored the dangers of brush fires in our community.
The fire district continued its growth throughout the 1980’s, signing a contract for a third fire station, located on Gunnery Road, in 1987. The contract was signed on the heels of a massive brush fire in April of the same year with the community’s support, as it would lower fire insurance rates and adequately spread fire services throughout the District. Station 103 was dedicated on June 22, 1988. The dedication of the William Ziegler Memorial Flagpole, which flies at the station, preceded the station festivities.
In 2009, the housing market crash took a considerable toll on our fire district. The District’s revenue from ad valorem taxes dropped by more than half, and fell into a $9 million operating deficit. The District made significant cuts to operating costs while continuing to provide emergency fire, rescue, and other services. The District let go over forty employees, and those left made significant concessions to their benefits and salary. Station improvement projects, such as roof replacements and electrical and plumbing upgrades, were put on hold. Much needed apparatus and equipment purchases were stalled. Firefighters took over lawn maintenance and general repairs at the stations, all while answering a steadily increasing call load and maintaining their required hours of training to keep certifications.
The District applied for, and received, two back-to-back SAFER Grants that helped cover re-hiring a number of Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics. The fact that we received one of the largest grant amounts ever awarded spoke to their recognition of our community’s critical need. With concessions and budget constraints still in place, Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District was able to maintain fire and rescue services to the community.
In 2006, a history-making brush fire raged through Lehigh Acres, burning over 2,000 acres. Fifteen homes were destroyed and many others were evacuated during the fire. Eighteen departments assisted in extinguishing the blaze over several days. Two juveniles were later arrested in connection with the fires. The large brush fires highlighted the need for additional firefighters and equipment in Lehigh Acres, and Stations 104 and 105 were completed shortly after.
In 2014, by referendum, citizens recognized the importance of stabilizing the department revenue by approving the demand-based fire assessment in lieu of ad valorem taxes. This change allowed the District to maintain the amount of services provided to the community.
In addition to facing a global pandemic, 2020 was a significant year for the District as a referendum placed on the primary election ballot sought voter approval to change the fire assessment methodology. This opportunity to vote for a more fair and equitable means of supporting the District fulfilled a promise that the Board of Commissioners made to residents in 2014, when the current non-ad valorem special assessment was approved by voters in a referendum.
The passage of the referendum allowed the District to move forward with the construction of our sixth fire station, Station 106. Plans for a 7th and 8th station are also underway, as the District catches up to the rapid and continued growth in our community.
The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is currently responsible for preserving life and property to a service area of 142 square miles, making us the largest fire district in Lee County.
