The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District\u2019s commission received a design update on the construction of Station 171 at its recent meeting, as well as heard about a possible drone through the county.<\/p>\n
On Feb. 11, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot gave an update on the Palm Ridge Road station. He reported that the project is set to go before the Sanibel Planning Commission on Feb. 24 in regards to the floor-to-area ratio.<\/p>\n
In addition, the district received three bids for the general contractor services for the project. The submitted bids ranged from $9.2 million on the lowest end to $10.1 million on the highest end.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe currently have a grant funding amount deficit,\u201d Barbot said.<\/p>\n
He continued that administrative staff have discussed with Lee County possible additional funding through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re getting positive feedback,\u201d Barbot said the county\u2019s response to the request.<\/p>\n
The county commission will consider the ask at its March 4 meeting, which the district will attend.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, he reported that the county received funding for a few drones for use throughout Lee. Officials are interested in adding a drone at Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road. It could be used for large fires, structure fires, brush fires and such and has a range of three miles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis could be a huge asset for us,\u201d Barbot said.<\/p>\n
He reported that the county initially wanted to install the drone and equipment in the Wulfert area, however, there are issues with internet connectivity. There is a concern that installing the equipment on the new roof at Station 172 may void the district\u2019s contract, so they are trying to work through that.<\/p>\n
Barbot added that the county would operate the drone at no cost to the district. The district would simply be providing the location for its installation, along with power and internet for the unit.<\/p>\n
If everything works out, the drone and equipment could possibly be installed next month.<\/p>\n
Also at the meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve the following district policies: Communicable Disease Training Program, Fire Apparatus Driver Operator Training, Minimum Staffing Levels, Training Policy, and Training Records; along with one procedure for Response to Calls for Service During Periods of Civil Disorder.<\/p>\n
IN OTHER NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2013 Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that three staffers have been picked to serve on the committee for the new fire engine. Asked by the commission, he explained that they are hoping the build time for the apparatus will take two to three years, but they heard it was five at one point.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson provided an update on the work at Station 172. He reported that there are still three or four items left on the punch list that need to be completed.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Barbot reported that they are at the finish line on the 2025 audit. He praised Administrative Assistant Greta Fulkerson for her organization and tracking skills, which helped to make the process efficient.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Barbot reported that the district executed the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1826 regarding the inflatable rescue boat.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo that is a done deal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u2013 DiMaria reported that the district responded to 156 calls in January, compared to 191 calls for the same month last year \u2014 a decrease of about 18%. It responded to 180 calls year-to-date, compared to 223 calls for 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 16 fire plan reviews and 176 fire inspections in January.<\/p>\n
\u2013 The following staff were recognized for their years of service: firefighter-paramedic Brandon Pujol for two years.<\/p>\n