On June 15, Chief Jason Dougherty joined members of the Economic Club of Tampa Bay, sharing insights into the critical role Hillsborough County Fire Rescue plays in protecting and serving the community.

Chief Dougherty highlighted the scale of HCFR’s operations, noting that the department serves approximately 1.2 million residents and 80,000 businesses across 909 square miles. With 1,380 team members operating from 47 fire stations, HCFR responds to nearly 135,000 calls annually, more than 350 calls each day.

In addition to emergency response, Chief Dougherty spoke about the meaningful work of the HCFR Foundation and its commitment to supporting both first responders and the broader community. He highlighted initiatives such as peer support for firefighter mental health, the cadet academy for future leaders in public safety, emergency assistance for firefighters and their families, and community-focused projects benefiting children, foster care programs, and underserved youth.

Chief Dougherty closed by reinforcing HCFR’s mission of service beyond the fire station—supporting families, investing in future generations, and standing beside the community in times of greatest need. His presentation served as a meaningful reminder of the dedication, courage, and compassion that define Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.