North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District Expands Fire-Based TRANSPORT Services in Collier County

The Early Vision: A Department Preparing for the Future. The North Collier Fire’s journey toward Advanced Life Support
(ALS) transport began in the early 1970s, when the Collier County Government formally requested that the District
participate in 911 transport services. At that time, the department was still transitioning from a volunteer fire service to
a modern, professionally staffed agency. Although the interest was present, the District was not yet in a position to
assume the responsibility.
Consolidation, Setbacks, and Legal Battles: In 2015, following the merger of Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control & North
Naples Rescue District to form North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District, a request to expand the COPCN boundaries
was filed. Still, instead of approval, the Board of County Commissioners declined to renew the existing COPCN
altogether.
The Bold Future and New Era: In 2023, a new chapter began when the newly appointed Collier County Manager, Amy
Patterson, asked the simple question: Why can’t the Fire District help augment transport services?
On February 1, 2025, the District was awarded its Class I COPCN to provide ALS transport services. This was followed by
the State of Florida issuing the ALS transport provider license on November 25, 2025, and the successful completion of
the final Department of Health inspection on June 28, 2025.

The Journey’s Culmination: July 31, 2025: On July 31, 2025, North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District will officially
launch Medic Rescue 45, marking the beginning of a new era. After more than five decades of preparation, advocacy,
and perseverance, the District will take its place as a full Advanced Life Support transport provider, fulfilling a vision that
began over 50 years ago

North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District is an independent special fire district that annually responds to more than 25,000 calls
for service throughout a 264-square-mile area of Collier County, Florida. The agency’s all-hazards response includes advanced life
support (ALS) medical response by firefighters/EMTs and firefighters/Paramedics, as well as marine, dive, and beach rescue,
hazardous materials, and technical rescue. A five-member board of fire commissioners governs the District. Visit
www.northcollierfire.com for more information.