SPRING HILL, Fla. – At first glance, Pasco County Fire Rescue’s Squad 1 looks like a typical fire vehicle.
One feature that makes it stand out? The words “The Stray Dogs” printed on the front.
- Squad 1 equipped with 4 different extrication tools
- Vehicle designed by county Fire Rescue members
- Agency hopes to purchase 2 more in next 6 years
“We’re called ‘The Stray Dogs’ because, actually, we’re a county-wide truck, and we cover the hundreds of square miles of Pasco County," explained Heavy Rescue Squad One Capt. Cary Epperson. "One day, we could be on US-19, and then later in the evening, we’re way over on 301.”
Take a closer look, and it becomes clear why the vehicle has been so in-demand since it went into service July 17.
Squad 1 doesn’t fight fires, although it does respond to them in case a rescue operation becomes necessary. The truck, designed by members, is the only one in the county to carry four different types of extrication tools in its bumper.
It’s also equipped to handle high-angle rope rescues, hazmat situations, and water rescues.
Photo: Sarah Blazonis, staff
“We got a whole tool box – basically, a million dollar tool box for them to pick out and help them with their situation,” Epperson said.
According to Special Operations Chief William Lingo, Squad 1 actually cost Pasco Fire Rescue $680,000. He said the truck is necessary to help keep up with the county’s rapid growth.
“Our goal is to handle everything in the county ourselves and not ask anybody for outside help unless we really need it,” Lingo said. “We don’t want to tax them – we want to use our resources.”
In the short time since Squad 1’s been in service, Epperson said it’s been used for water rescues, to free a worker trapped during a trench collapse in Wesley Chapel, and to free people from crunched cars after crashes.
The truck is the first of its type in Pasco, but it’s not expected to be the last. Lingo said the agency expects to buy two more within the next six years so that the east, west, and center of the county will have one stationed nearby.
He said within two years, the number of Squad 1 members and alternates is expected to increase from 36 to 72.
One more special feature of Squad 1 that will be passed from truck to truck when it eventually needs to be replaced: a bell at the front that has the names of members of the first squad inscribed on the back.