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Emergency calls related to drownings have been on the rise of late in Polk County, with nearly 80% of the incidents over the past year involving children ages 1 through 9, according to data provided by Polk County Fire Rescue. But despite the county’s largest city wearing a name like Lakeland, it’s not natural bodies of water where the majority of these 911 drowning calls are coming from. “It’s (swimming) pools,” said the county’s Fire Chief Robert Weech. Between Jan. 1 and April 30, emergency dispatchers responded to 18 drowning calls – the most in that timeframe in a four-year span. There were 49 calls in 2020 compared with 42 calls in 2019. And while not all of these calls resulted in fatalities, Polk ranked near the top in 2019 in drowning deaths statewide. ....
DAVENPORT Polk County Fire Rescue has received more than $9,000 to purchase supplies and equipment designed to help reduce the rate of cancer among firefighters. Jimmy Patronis, Florida s chief financial officer and state fire marshal, visited Polk County Fire Station 38 in Davenport on Thursday to announce the first round of grant recipients under the state s Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Program. The fund was created in June 2020. Polk Fire Chief Robert Weech accepted a check for $9,135 with Minneola and New Port Richie fire departments receiving about $11,250 and $10,245, respectively. We have to find ways, innovative ways to fight cancer. It s the stuff we can t see that s embedded in our environment that causes it, Weech said. We know what the risks are with burning buildings, we know what the risks are with the pandemic, this is a hidden risk we have to take seriously. ....
Florida fire captain arrested in alleged theft of Covid-19 vaccine A Florida firefighter turned himself in to authorities in connection with the alleged theft of Covid-19 vaccine meant for coworkers. Anthony Damiano, a captain with Polk County Fire Rescue, allegedly took three syringes containing doses of Moderna’s vaccine, with the intent to give doses to his elderly mother, according to an arrest affidavit. Damiano surrendered on Wednesday afternoon, according to the affidavit. He has been charged with petit theft and causing another person to falsify official records as a public servant. He has been released on bond from the Polk County Jail, according to inmate records. ....