Special Operations
North Collier Fire Rescue’s Special Operations teams provide advanced capabilities to address complex and high-risk emergencies beyond traditional fire and medical response. These highly trained personnel are prepared to respond to technical rescue incidents, dive and marine emergencies, and hazardous materials events requiring specialized equipment, coordination, and expertise.
Through continuous training, regional partnerships, and a commitment to operational readiness, our Special Operations teams stand ready to protect lives, property, and the environment across the District and throughout Southwest Florida.
Technical Rescue Response Team
The North Collier Technical Rescue Team (TRT) is prepared to respond to the most complex and demanding emergencies. Team members train far beyond standard fire and EMS requirements, developing advanced skills to identify, manage, and mitigate both man-made and natural disasters.
The Technical Rescue Team is specially equipped and prepared for immediate deployment in structural collapse, trench rescue, swift water rescue, and high- and low-angle technical rope operations. Team members also serve as part of the Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force 6, contributing experienced personnel and advanced technical capabilities during regional responses to complex and large-scale emergencies.
Committed to excellence and operational readiness, the North Collier Technical Rescue Team stands ready to deliver the highest level of service and care to the local community and beyond.
Dive Team
The North Collier Dive Rescue Team is prepared to respond to water-related emergencies throughout the District, from the Gulf of Mexico to local lakes and canals. Team members are strategically positioned to ensure rapid deployment for incidents such as submerged vehicles, drowning responses, and victim or evidence recovery.
Dive Rescue Team members meet rigorous training and certification standards, including Dive Rescue I, and participate in ongoing training to maintain operational readiness. The District also maintains a cadre of public safety scuba instructors to ensure the highest level of safety, skill, and professionalism.
Working in close coordination with law enforcement and partner agencies, the Dive Rescue Team provides direct operational support during water-related incidents, strengthening community safety and resilience. Backed by advanced equipment and specialized training, the team stands ready to protect residents and visitors across the District’s waterways.
Marine Emergency Response Team
The North Collier Marine Emergency Response Team (MERT) is prepared to respond to emergencies across the District’s coastal waters and inland waterways. Team members are cross-trained as boat operators and water rescue specialists, allowing for a rapid, coordinated response to a wide range of maritime incidents.
Operating a fleet of three specialized rescue vessels, MERT can deploy immediately along the District’s seven-mile shoreline and throughout its waterways. The team also provides mutual aid to neighboring jurisdictions and partner agencies, strengthening both local and regional emergency response capabilities.
Backed by advanced equipment, specialized training, and a commitment to operational excellence, the Marine Emergency Response Team plays a vital role in protecting residents and visitors while delivering timely, professional care on the water.
Hazardous Materials Team
The North Collier Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team is prepared to respond to incidents involving hazardous substances that pose a risk to people, property, and the environment. Designated as an official State of Florida HazMat Response Team, members receive advanced, ongoing training to manage a wide range of emergencies, from chemical releases to radiological incidents.
HazMat technicians are strategically positioned throughout the district to ensure rapid response and are equipped with specialized protective suits, chemical detection and sampling devices, containment and identification systems, and advanced communications and meteorological equipment. The team regularly trains and operates alongside neighboring jurisdictions, allowing them to seamlessly support regional and state response efforts when needed.
Backed by rigorous training, specialized equipment, and a commitment to operational excellence, the Hazardous Materials Team plays a critical role in protecting the safety of residents and visitors throughout the community.
Air Rescue Team
The North Collier Air Rescue Team (NCART) supports the District’s all-hazards approach to public safety through rapid aerial response capabilities. In partnership with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, team members receive specialized training to deploy personnel and equipment for search and rescue missions, aerial firefighting, and incident reconnaissance during large-scale emergencies such as wildland fires and major disasters.
Operating from Naples Airport, the Air Rescue Team maintains a three-aircraft fleet—Bell UH-1H, Bell OH-58A, and Bell 429—each configured to support wildland fire suppression and search and rescue operations.
Through multidisciplinary training and regular joint exercises with law enforcement partners, NCART maintains 24/7 readiness to respond immediately when emergencies occur. Backed by advanced aircraft, specialized training, and strong inter-agency partnerships, the Air Rescue Team plays a critical role in protecting residents, visitors, and responders across the region.