City of Treasure Island

🚒 Honoring 25 Years of Service: Lieutenant Joe White At last night’s (Dec. 2) City Commission Meeting, Treasure Island Fire Rescue (TIFR) Lieutenant Joe White was honored for 25 years of dedicated service to TIFR and the community he has proudly served. Lieutenant White began his career with TIFR in September 1999 and quickly earned a reputation as one of our most skilled and dependable driver-engineers. For nearly two decades, he held the critical position behind the wheel—responding to thousands of calls, navigating through all conditions, and ensuring his crew arrived safely and ready to serve. From 2002 to 2014, Joe served as a union representative, advocating for his fellow firefighters with integrity and professionalism. He consistently balanced the needs of personnel with the department's mission and the public's well-being. In February 2019, Joe was promoted to Lieutenant, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his leadership, experience, and unwavering commitment. Since then, he has continued to set a positive example by mentoring the next generation and upholding the high standards TIFR expects. Lieutenant White’s steady hand, voice of reason, and leadership have made TIFR a stronger, safer, and better. Congratulations on 25 years of exceptional service. Well done, Lieutenant. Next week, there will be a public retirement celebration. Details will be provided soon.

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact with a small but dedicated fire department? Treasure Island Fire Rescue is now hiring passionate individuals to join our close-knit team. This is your chance to serve a vibrant community while working alongside a group of professionals who value teamwork, service, and commitment. To learn more and apply, visit MyTreasureIsland.com/Jobs.

Bringing the heat to the classroom! 🔥 Yesterday, November 12, members of Treasure Island Fire Rescue joined students at Curtis Fundamental Elementary School for the Great American Teach-In. They gave students a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a firefighter — from responding to emergency calls to gearing up for action. The highlight of the day? Letting the kids take control of the firehose! 🚒

The more you know! Members of the Treasure Island Police Department took part in the Great American Teach-In yesterday, November 12. This annual event gives parents and community members a chance to visit local schools and share their careers, hobbies, and passions with students. It’s a fun and meaningful way to inspire the next generation and give students a firsthand look at the many paths their future could take.

The city of Treasure Island is seeking to hire a mechanic. This is skilled work involving the repair, maintenance, and reconditioning of assigned gasoline and/or diesel-powered automotive, construction, and maintenance equipment. Learn more about the opening and apply at MyTreasureIsland.com/Jobs

Today, on National First Responders Day, the City of Treasure Island proudly honors our heroes —the brave men and women of the Treasure Island Police Department and Treasure Island Fire Rescue. Their courage, dedication, and compassion shine every day as they protect and serve our community with unwavering commitment. There are not enough words—or thank you’s—to express the depth of our gratitude. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for Treasure Island.

The City of Treasure Island is hiring a Part-Time Payroll Assistant. This position offers flexible hours, up to 20 hours per week, and is perfect for someone looking to balance work and life while contributing to their community. The Payroll Assistant is responsible for performing duties directly related to administering payroll, exercising independent professional judgment, and occasionally taking initiative to solve problems using their knowledge of payroll and clerical procedures. Learn more about the job and apply at MyTreasureIsland.com/Jobs.

Treasure Island Fire Rescue members were recognized at the October 7 City Commission Meeting for their extraordinary actions during Hurricane Helene. Lieutenant Steven Rowland, Fire Medic Adam Drooger, and Fire Medic Logan Conklin operated the city’s high-water vehicle through nearly five feet of floodwater, rescuing more than a dozen residents — including families, a mother and daughter, and a handicapped woman with her dog — who were stranded or unable to evacuate. Once conditions improved, the crew returned at 3 a.m. to perform search-and-rescue operations on foot in Sunset Beach, navigating downed power lines and deep sand drifts to reach those in need. They continued their efforts for 96 hours after the storm, helping clear sand and restore access to isolated areas. For their courage, tireless commitment, and selfless service during the storm, Rowland, Drooger, and Conklin have been nominated for the 2025 John Morroni Fire Crew of the Year Award — an honor recognizing exceptional teamwork and bravery in fire service. Also recognized at the meeting were Fire Medics Pat Klemba, Adam Drooger, and Jordan Dahlstrom, who received their 5-year service awards. Additionally, all Treasure Island Fire Rescue members who served during Hurricanes Helene and Milton were authorized to wear the Hurricane Helene/Milton Commendation Award.

There are not enough ways to say thank you for the appreciation Treasure Island has for Mike Howard. Today, September 30, marks Mike’s last day working with the city as a contracted employee. He joined our team after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, stepping in to fill the role of Finance Director after both the director and assistant director left. Mike guided our “battered ship” through tough waters—providing stability, clarity, and answers when we needed them most. More than just a leader, Mike quickly became a trusted colleague and friend. He always took the time to listen, explain complex issues, and speak confidently and authoritatively at Commission meetings. It is with sadness that we bid farewell as Mike’s contract concludes. He has exemplified what it means to be not only an outstanding coworker but also an exceptional person. Thank you, Mike, for your service, your leadership, and your kindness. We wish you nothing but success and happiness in your next adventure. Don’t just take our word for it about Mike; check out some of the praises of Mike below.

Treasure Island Fire Rescue is proud to be recognized as a Gold Helmet Department for having many of our firefighters enrolled in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. The Gold Helmet is awarded to fire departments that achieve a high level of participation in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer. This nationwide initiative collects health and occupational information from U.S. firefighters to better understand and reduce the risk of cancer in the fire service. Firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing certain types of cancer compared to the general public. By contributing to the NFR, Treasure Island Fire Rescue helps researchers build stronger evidence to protect the health and safety of current and future firefighters. 83% of TIFR’s firefighters have registered—well above the 50% participation threshold needed to qualify for this recognition. The Gold Helmet Challenge is more than just an award—it’s a symbol of TIFR’s commitment to firefighter health, safety, and the future of the fire service.