Prior to September 1973, ambulance service was provided by the Roberts Grady Funeral Home. Mr. Fred Grady responded to his first call at the age of 13. The first ambulance was purchased in 1938 and it was a 1933 a 1933 Model Ambulance.

September 11, 1973 – Ambulance Agreement for the Fiscal Year 1973-1974 was signed between the Board of County Commissioners of DeSoto County and Frank E. Cline, the Sheriff of DeSoto County. "Commencing October 1, 1973 the Sheriff shall proceed to employee eleven (11) men to serve as ambulance drivers and attendants. The Sheriff shall, after October 1, 1973, purchase two (2) new Dodge Vans and one (1) used ambulance, plus all required equipment for such vehicles." The Board shall, from the General Revenue Fund of DeSoto County provide the sum of $124,305.15.
October 8, 1974 – An Ambulance Agreement for the Fiscal Year 1974-1975 was signed between the Board of County Commissioners of DeSoto County and Frank E. Cline, the Sheriff of DeSoto County. The Board shall, from the General Revenue Fund of DeSoto County provide the sum of $133,950.00. The Sheriff shall employee fifteen (15) persons to serve as ambulance drivers and attendants.

April 11, 1978 - City Fire Chief Messina met with Board of County Commissioners and discussed county wide fire control.

June 6, 1978 – Commissioner Martin moved that the Board accept Mr. R.D. Welles generous donation of certain property for a fire substation in Fort Ogden.

September 15, 1980 – Alfred King, representing Nocatee Volunteer Fire Department met with the Board in regard to projected structure for fire equipment shelter.

January 22, 1982 – County Administrator Waldron and City Administrator Parson began negotiations towards the goal of a Joint Fire District.

April 1, 1982 – Armon Summerall hired as Public Safety Director/Fire Chief and was given 6 months to establish a working fire department with a total of 13 employees.

May 4, 1982 – County Administrator Waldron told the Board that he was progressing with plans to have the County independent of the City for Fire Protection on October 1, 1982, and discussed the possibility of City residents paying a higher fee for Emergency Medical Services, due to the fact that the Emergency Medical Services program would be funded entirely by the residents of the unincorporated area.

July 15, 1982 – Armon Summerall recommended that the county accept a bid from Dowling Fire Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $82,480.00 for a 1982 Fire Pumper, 4 x 4, 1000 Gallon Booster Tank, 1000 Gallon Pump and a 1982 Type II Ford Van Ambulance "Responder" for $21,180.00.

August 10, 1982 - The proposed County Fire and EMS Budget for 1982-1983 is approximately $456,000.00.

September 15, 1982 - Fire Pumper delivered.

September 21, 1982 – The Board of County Commissioners of DeSoto County adopted the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) Ordinance 1982-17.

October 1, 1982 – DeSoto County Fire Rescue established.

December 27, 1983 – Alfred King donated property for the Nocatee Volunteer Fire Station.

February 28, 1984 - DeSoto County purchased the Bob Blunier Chevrolet Plymouth Dodge Dealership building for $200,000.00.

June 6, 1984 – Andy Anderson, Assistant Chief passed away.

June 10, 1986 –The Board voted to institute an ALS System for 1986-1987. The total cost for the system would be $76,000.00, but due to a grant from the State of Florida plus the return of approximately $12,000.00 from the EMS Trust Fund, the first year cost for the ALS System would be $26,500.00.

Todd Esper was the first Administrative Lieutenant employed by DeSoto County Fire Rescue. He passed away on
May 19, 1996. His memorial service was held at Station One.

July 25, 2003 – Tony Rinaldi and Duke Robinson were promoted to Shift Lieutenant.

December 6, 2004 – DeSoto County Fire Rescue accepts delivery of a 2004 E-One Rescue Pumper (Engine 10) from Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus.

Friday, August 13, 2004 – Hurricane Charley hits Arcadia causing much devastation. Many residents and businesses lost power for weeks. The Turner Agri-Civic Center, established as a county shelter was damaged with hundreds of people having to seek shelter elsewhere during the storm.

May 15, 2006 – The Interlocal Agreement between the City of Arcadia and DeSoto County for merger of Fire and Emergency Medical Services is signed.

June 01, 2006 – The integration of the City of Arcadia Fire Department and DeSoto County Fire Rescue takes effect. The fire inspection and training divisions were implemented.

December 19, 2006 – The Board of County Commissioners of DeSoto County adopts the Fire Prevention Code of DeSoto County Ordinance 2006-64.

January 7, 2008 – Chief Glenn Prescott accepts delivery of a 2007 E-One Bronto Skylift Platform Fire Truck (Tower 10) from Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus. This is the first aerial apparatus purchased by DeSoto County.

This information was obtained from records located at the DeSoto County Administrative Offices and DCFR.