Seminole County has hundreds of facilities using and producing hazardous materials. It also has all major modes of transportation by which hazardous materials are transported by water, international airport, interstate highway traffic, railroad, and several miles of transportation routes within the county.

The Seminole County Special Hazards & Operations Team (SHOT) is the result of the coordinated efforts of the Seminole County Fire Department and Emergency Management Division. The Special Hazards & Operations Team was formed in 1992 by combining the functions of the existing Hazardous Materials Response Team with heavy/technical rescue and water rescue responsibilities. SHOT is managed by Battalion Chief Malcolm Trigg.

The Special Hazardous Operation Team handles all types of major emergencies including, but not limited to, hazardous materials response, gas leaks, heavy extrication, confined space rescue, collapse/trench rescue, high angle emergencies, water rescue, air and light support, and fire suppression. Besides dealing with typical emergency response challenges, SHOT intentionally intervenes in chemical, biological, and radiological accidents. A new aspect of emergency response our Team is trained on how to respond to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incidents. The specialized skills and equipment of SHOT are needed for responding to this type of incident.

The Seminole County Special Hazardous Operations Team operates out of three fire stations. Station 35 houses Squad 2, Engine 35, Dive 35, and Boat 35 as well the response trailers. Station’s 12 and 27 each house a Satellite SHOT Engine. Team members must complete over 600 hours of special operations training and must complete continuing education courses to remain an active member.

The SHOT Team responds to special emergencies throughout Seminole County and within the East Central Florida region.