On April 28th, members of the Brandon Rotary Club welcomed Hillsborough County Fire Chief Jason Dougherty for an informative and engaging presentation on the future of fire rescue services in Hillsborough County.

Chief Dougherty shared exciting updates on the planned rebuild and modernization of local fire stations, including the addition of another station off Ridgewood Avenue to better serve the surrounding community and support the county’s continued growth. He explained that today’s station designs go far beyond traditional facilities, with a strong focus on firefighter health, safety, and emergency response efficiency.

New features highlighted during the presentation included decontamination suites, advanced dispatch alerting systems, individualized sleeping quarters, and drive-through apparatus bays designed to improve readiness while protecting first responders. Members were especially interested in learning how these enhancements will lead to faster response times, improved life safety measures, and expanded service capabilities for residents.

Chief Dougherty’s presentation provided valuable insight into how strategic investment in public safety infrastructure ensures Hillsborough County is prepared to meet the needs of a growing population.

The Brandon Rotary Club extends its appreciation to Chief Dougherty for sharing his vision and leadership, and for the continued dedication of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue in keeping the community safe.