What does a "Support Unit" do?
Generally, a Support Unit such as the DVFA's Support 33 is requested by the Chief or other officer-in-charge to respond to the scene of a fire or other emergency to provide aid to the Firefighters, Police Officers, Medics, and others.
We carry water and sports drinks, and energy snacks on our vehicle at all times, along with coolers of ice. We provide these to the responders, to help them stay hydrated and energized: by the time a firefighter has exhausted his/her1st air bottle in a fire, they could have lost as much as a quart of fluids due to the exertion and the exposure to heat. We provide them with a cool, sheltered place to sit and recover, as they replenish that fluid loss.
In the brief colder part of the year here in Central Florida, we can provide a warm and dry place to rest.
In the case of a longer-duration event, we can source additional foods (like sandwiches) from area stores and restaurants.
You may recall that in 2019, the City of DeBary had a large brush fire that lasted several days, and we were pleased to get the support of citizens like you who donated cases of water and drinks, pizzas, sandwiches, and other snacks, plus bags and bags of ice! We thank you all greatly for that!
Other things we carry in the vehicle include: Generators and cords, fans, portable air conditioning, tents, tables and chairs, first aid kit, and even an assortment of clothes for fire victims who may not have had time to grab anything when fleeing a residence.
Note: if you can help us mantain stock of any of these consumable items, please send us an email at the address shown below, or click HERE for donation information.