Pompano Beach Fire Rescue becomes only second Broward agency to reach PEDReady Gold Tier
Pompano Beach, Florida – Pompano Beach Fire Rescue has added a rare statewide distinction to its record as the department approaches its 100th year of service. The agency has earned Gold Tier recognition for pediatric emergency readiness, placing it among a small group of Florida fire-rescue and EMS departments that have met the program’s standards.
The recognition makes Pompano Beach Fire Rescue the 16th Fire-Rescue or EMS agency in Florida and only the second in Broward County to reach the Gold Tier through the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program.
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The designation was awarded through the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program. It recognizes agencies that meet comprehensive requirements covering pediatric emergency preparedness, specialized training, equipment, medical protocols and patient care.
Pediatric emergencies present a particular challenge for first responders because they happen less often than adult emergencies. That makes continued training and access to appropriate equipment especially important so crews can maintain the skills needed when a child requires emergency care.
“This recognition is a significant achievement for Pompano Beach Fire Rescue and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest level of emergency medical care to every member of our community, particularly our youngest and most vulnerable patients,” Fire Chief Pete McGinnis said.
“While pediatric emergencies may not occur every day, our responsibility is to ensure our personnel are trained, equipped, and prepared to respond with exceptional care whenever that call comes.”
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McGinnis also credited EMS Chief Aldrich for helping lead the department through the Gold Tier process and ensuring the agency satisfied the program’s requirements.
“EMS Chief Aldrich worked tirelessly to ensure our fire department met the rigorous requirements necessary to achieve Gold Tier recognition,” McGinnis said.
“His commitment to pediatric readiness, training, and clinical excellence helped guide our department through this process and played a significant role in this accomplishment.”
The pediatric recognition adds to another distinction already held by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue. The department has an Insurance Services Office Class 1 rating, the highest classification for community fire protection effectiveness. Of 44,670 fire departments rated nationwide, only 242, or about 0.5%, have received a Class 1 rating.
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The latest achievement arrives as Pompano Beach Fire Rescue prepares to celebrate 100 years of service in 2026, adding pediatric preparedness to a century-long record of emergency response, training and community service.
