Special Operations

As the Special Operations Chief of the West Palm Beach Fire Department, it is my privilege to lead a highly skilled team dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Our specialized units are trained to handle a wide range of emergency situations, from hazardous material incidents to technical rescues and beyond.

Our mission is to provide prompt and effective response, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques. We work tirelessly to mitigate risks, protect lives, and safeguard property in the face of adversity. Whether it's responding to a complex industrial accident or performing high-angle rope rescues, our team is prepared for any challenge that comes our way.

We understand that emergencies can happen at any time, which is why we maintain constant readiness through rigorous training and continuous education. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, as we continually adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Beyond emergency response, we are equally passionate about prevention and preparedness. Through community outreach programs, we strive to educate and empower individuals and organizations to proactively mitigate risks and enhance their own safety.

I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team of professionals who exemplify courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public service. Together, we are here to serve and protect, 24/7.

Thank you for visiting our page. Stay safe, stay prepared!

Brian Walker

Division Chief of Special Operations

The West Palm Beach Fire Department's Regional Hazardous Materials Team is a highly skilled and specialized group dedicated to responding to hazardous material incidents in the region. Comprised of trained professionals, they possess the expertise and equipment necessary to mitigate and manage hazardous material emergencies. Their commitment to safety and swift response ensures the protection of both the community and the environment.

West Palm Beach Fire Department’s hazardous materials response team is one of four in Palm Beach County. The primary hazmat team consists of seven Hazardous Materials Technicians assigned to Fire Station 2. Hazardous Materials Technicians are required to have an additional 160 hours of training above the minimum operational level training required of other fire rescue personnel. The standards of training are established by the State Fire Marshal’s office, the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), the National Fire Protection Association and the Hazardous Materials Oversight Committee.
WPBFD’s HazMat Team is housed at a fully functional fire station which responds to a variety of emergencies daily. The HazMat Team will respond in a task force configuration typically consisting of a hazardous materials truck, a fire engine, and a transport rescue vehicle, an EMS Captain, and Battalion Chief. This configuration gives the team a broad capability. The station also houses a Foam Trailer with a capacity of 550 gallons of AR-AFFF foam concentrate.

The highly trained personnel use their skill and ability to respond and mitigate a wide variety of hazards. These hazards include anything from common petroleum spills and natural gas leaks, to unknown chemicals, biological, radiological and explosive materials. Currently the Fire Department has 151 responders certified at the Technician Level. 

The West Palm Beach Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team is a specialized highly skilled group within the fire department that is trained to respond to complex and challenging high-risk rescue situations.

Our teams undergo extensive training to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to complex and challenging high-risk rescue situations. Training typically includes courses in rope rescue, advanced vehicle extrication, collapse rescue, swiftwater rescue, and hazardous materials response. Members of technical rescue teams often have advanced certifications like Technician-level training in specific disciplines.

Equipped with advanced tools, training, and expertise, they excel in situations such as high-angle rescues, confined space rescues, trench/excavation rescues, water related emergencies, heavy extrication, structural collapse/emergency shoring and Urban Search and Rescue. Their unwavering commitment to public safety and their ability to adapt to evolving emergencies make them an invaluable asset to the community.

The West Palm Beach Fire Department Dive Rescue Team provides a critical service due to its location on the Intracoastal Waterway. This waterway is a popular route for boating and water-related activities, which increases the likelihood of accidents, emergencies, and potential water rescues. Having a dedicated dive rescue team allows the fire department to respond quickly and effectively to water-related incidents, ensuring the safety of individuals in distress and minimizing the risk of further harm.

The Dive Rescue Team is a highly skilled and dedicated group of professionals who specialize in water rescue and recovery operations. Their primary focus is on rescuing individuals trapped or in distress underwater and conducting underwater searches.

To be a part of our specialized dive rescue team, firefighters typically undergo rigorous training beyond their basic firefighting skills. This training includes specialized courses in open water diving, underwater search and recovery techniques, and swiftwater rescue. They learn about dive procedures, equipment maintenance, communication, and emergency procedures specific to water environments. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and extensive training, they are prepared to respond to emergencies in various aquatic environments. Their expertise in dive operations, search and rescue techniques, and medical interventions enables them to save lives and provide critical assistance during water-related incidents. The Dive Rescue Team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the West Palm Beach community.

The West Palm Beach Fire Department S.W.A.T. Medics play an essential role on the Special Weapons and Tactics Team in combination with the West Palm Beach Police to ensure the safety and security of our community.

S.W.A.T. is an elite unit composed of highly trained police and firefighters who specialize in high-risk situations. Their primary objective is to handle critical incidents that require specialized skills, advanced equipment, and a coordinated approach.

In times of emergencies such as active shooter situations, or complex rescues, the S.W.A.T. team swiftly intervenes to mitigate the risks and protect lives. Their expertise lies in executing precise tactics to neutralize threats, provide medical assistance, and evacuate individuals from dangerous environments.

This specialized team undergoes rigorous training, which includes advanced tactical operations, emergency medical response, and specialized equipment usage. Their continuous dedication to honing their skills ensures they are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

The Fire Department S.W.A.T. team members not only serve as a vital asset within our fire department but also collaborate closely with other emergency response agencies. This seamless integration allows for effective coordination during complex incidents, resulting in a comprehensive and timely response.

We are immensely proud of our Fire Department S.W.A.T. team members and their commitment to safeguarding our community. Their professionalism, bravery, and quick thinking in high-pressure situations make a significant difference in preserving lives and property.

As we express our gratitude to these exceptional individuals, let us also acknowledge the support and trust extended by our community. Together, we can ensure a safer environment for everyone.