The Wandering Disciple

When it comes to protecting the City on the Gulf, residents rely on the Venice Fire Department to keep them safe.  The department has evolved over the years to meet the needs of the community including beginning EMS service last year.  To further demonstrate their commitment to the community, the department was one of the first in the nation to offer in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to residents that can not make it to a vaccination site.  (Photo: March 2, 2019)

Venice, Florida: The sun was shining bright and the spotlight was on the City of Venice Fire Department for the 2019 Public Safety Day. The local heroes set up their toys in the parking lot of the Venice Community Center and invited the public to come see what the tools that their hometown fire department uses to keep them safe. In addition to the apparatus on display, the firefighters even put on a few demos to show their skills in use. The event is one of the many outreach programs that the Venice Fire Department uses to connect with the citizens of the City of Venice. Click on the photo above to view my 2019 City of Venice Public Safety Day photo gallery .

Venice Fire Department is sporting a new look these day.  Engine 51 was just added to the fleet and features a new graphic design, the first in the city to have the makeover.  The red and gray look is a departure from the red and white design that Venice has used for years.  (Photo: June 21, 2017)

Old Betsy sits on display at an event on the Island of Venice.  This vintage 1926 American LaFrance fire truck has a storied history.  It was revived from death after being flooded in Moore Haven during the Great Miami Hurricane.  But she was revived by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and relocated to Venice.  As well at protecting the railway and the newly formed City of Venice, Old Betsy also protected the Kentucky Military Institute and the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros Circus.  As technolgy improved, Old Betsy was retired from active duty in 1960. The truck was fully restored in honor of its 85th anniversary. (Photo: May 19, 2012)