Robert Weech News Today

Commercial Fire Off Combee Rd In Lakeland (Thank you to M. Brule for use of photo.) While a commercial structure fire destroyed an East Lakeland warehouse Thursday, Polk County Fire Rescue firefighters contained the blaze and protected the surrounding businesses.   Polk firefighters received a call about the fire at 1704…

Polk Fire Chief Requests Tempered Use of 9-1-1 As the strain of COVID-19 continues to challenge emergency response systems and hospitals, Polk Fire Chief Robert Weech asks that 9-1-1 calls be limited to the most serious of emergencies. “If you can avoid using the 9-1-1 system, this is a good…

Instead of going home after a long 24-hour shift, Polk County firefighters are being forced to work hundreds of hours of mandatory overtime to make up for staffing shortages.

Polk County Fire Chief Robert Weech is heading back to the county he spent nearly 20 years with before joining Polk County in 2017.

Polk County, Florida - The Polk County Fire Rescue Department already in the midst of a severe shortage of staff may be looking for a new chief! The Daily Ridge was made aware that PCFR Chief Robert Weech was seeking the position of fire chief for the City of Lighthouse…

  Bartow, Fla. (April 11, 2022) – The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded Polk County Fire Rescue a $36,665 grant to purchase a new HURST Jaws of Life Water Compatible Extrication Tool Set for their fleet. “With close to 555 freshwater lakes within Polk County alone, this new HURST Equipment…

Deputy Chief Robert Weech Joins Polk County Fire Rescue   BARTOW, Fla. (February 8, 2017) – Robert Weech has joined Polk County Fire Rescue as its Deputy Fire Chief of Logistics and Special Services. He is now responsible for fleet, facilities, warehouse operations and information technology.   “That’s to start,”…

Fire Rescue Officials Issue Burn Ban for Polk County Bartow, Fla. (March 31, 2020) – Due to dry weather conditions over an extensive period of time Polk County Fire Rescue has issued a burn ban. The increased risk of brush fires and uncontrolled fires are a threat to the public health,…

Polk County is launching a new plan to recruit paramedics, including a major signing bonus, free training for EMTs, and an increase in the starting pay.

Polk County Fire Rescue working to solve staffing shortages.