Personnel, Stations and Apparatus

Battalion Chiefs – Operations

The three fire department battalion chiefs respond to fire and emergency medical calls, maintain records, and statistics pertaining to fire and rescue responses along with company fire inspections, training activities, and the maintenance of facilities and equipment. The battalion chief assigns specific tasks for the lieutenants and crews regularly.

At a fire scene, the battalion chief determines the method of fire attack, supervises the laying of hose lines, and directs the fire streams to extinguish and contain fires. In most emergency scenes, the battalion chief assumes command, is the authority having jurisdiction, and represents the fire department.

Battalion Chief Damien Pillay in Class "A" uniform — Battalion Chief
Damien Pillay (A-Shift)

Damien Pillay started with Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department as a Firefighter/EMT in 2007. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 and then to Battalion Chief in 2024. Damien holds a Bachlors in Psycology from UCF. He has also served as an instructor for ACLS, PALS, and First Aid in the community since 2008.

Battalion Chief Michael Templeton in Class "A" uniform — Battalion Chief
Michael Templeton (B-Shift)

Michael Templeton started with Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1993. He was promoted to Engineer in 2000 and then to Lieutenant in 2003. After spending 12 years assigned to T61, he was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2015.

Battalion Chief Eric Wheaton in Class "A" uniform — Battalion Chief
Eric Wheaton (C-Shift)

Chief Wheaton is a second-generation firefighter with WPFD, following in the footsteps of his father. He has served as a Lieutenant on Truck 61 for the last six years. With over 17 years of experience, Eric has dedicated the majority of his career to the Truck Company and is a member of the WPFD Technical Rescue Team.

In addition to his firefighting duties, Eric is an instructor for the Truck Company Operations program at Valencia College's Central Florida Fire Institute and has taught at numerous fire conferences across the country. He also serves as an advisory board member on the UL-FSRI Size-up and Search & Rescue Study.

Eric holds an A.S. in Fire Science and has taken on extra duties at WPFD as a lead instructor, Health & Safety Lieutenant, and Technical Rescue Team Coordinator. He represents the Department at the national level, speaking and instructing at various fire departments and conferences.

Residing in Merritt Island, Eric enjoys spending his free time outdoors with his wife and three children surfing, traveling, hiking, and boating. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, which he integrates into his personal and professional life.

EMS Captains

Group of Captains in Class A uniform picture.

Lieutenants

Engineers

Firefighters

Station 61

343 West Canton Avenue

The City’s newest facility officially opened on June 6, 2003. The Public Safety Facility contains the administrative operations of both the Police and Fire and Fire Station 61.

Station 61 - Vehicles

Truck 61 parked on the street in front of a lake and trees. — Truck 61 - 2012 Pierce Quantum Tractor Drawn Aerial

Truck 61 was placed in service in fall 2012 as the City’s first Tractor Drawn Aerial. A fully-staffed ALS Truck Company, capable of over 100′ ladder raise, as well as onboard CAFS.

View more information about T-61

Engine 61 parked on a street in front of a lake with trees. — Engine 61 - 2016 Pierce Quantum Pumper

This unit was placed in service in spring 2017 as a fully staffed Advanced Life Support (ALS) engine. This engine carries 750 gallons of water and has a pumping capability of 1750 gallons of water per minute.

Rescue 61 parked on the street in front of a lake and trees. — Rescue 61 - 2018 Wheeled Coach Ford F550

Rescue 61 was placed in service in the spring of 2019 as a fully staffed ALS unit. Designed with both attendant and patient safety in mind and Equipped with Stryker Powerlift Stretcher and an additional 110volt air conditioning unit for constant temperature control in the patient compartment.

White boat with red stripe sitting on a red boat trailer. — Marine 61 - 2007 Rescue One Boat

Marine 61 was placed in service in the summer of 2008. It is capable of navigating through the canals and city lakes. Marine 61 is responsible for all water rescues.

Battalion 61 parked on the street in front of a lake and trees. — Battalion 61 - 2023 Ford F250

This unit is assigned to the on-duty Battalion Chief, who serves as the Incident Commander on scene. It has command unit capabilities as well as additional medical supplies and equipment.

EMS 61 parked on the street in front of a lake and trees. — EMS 61 - 2023 For F250

This vehicle is assigned to the EMS Supervisor and serves as the immediate on-scene Medical Control Unit. It has command unit capabilities as well as additional medical supplies and equipment.

Station 62

300 S. Lakemont Avenue

Station 62 - Vehicles

Engine 62 was placed in service in spring 2017 and is one of the city's busiest units. This engine carries 750 gallons of water and is equipped with hydraulic extrication tools.

Rescue 62 - 2018 Wheeled Coach Ford F550

Rescue 62 was placed in service in the spring of 2019 and is the second of two fully staffed ALS transport units. Rescue 62 is also equipped with Stryker Powerlift Stretcher.

Station 64

1439 Howell Branch Road

Due to annexations by the City of Winter Park this facility was acquired from Orange County Fire-Rescue in July 2002.

Station 64 - Vehicles

Engine 64 - 2020 Pierce Quantum Pumper

2001 Pierce Quantum ALS Pumper parked on street in front of trees and a lake.

This unit was placed in service in spring 2020 as a fully staffed Advanced Life Support (ALS) engine. Engine 64 carries 750 gallons of water and is capable of delivering 1750 gallons of water per minute. This engine is equipped with hydraulic extrication tools.

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