​MONROE COUNTY, FL—Monroe County Fire Rescue is proud to take delivery of a 2024 Pierce Enforcer 55-foot sky-boom aerial ladder truck. The truck officially went into service on Monday at its new home at Station 18, servicing the City of Layton, Long Key, Conch Key, Duck Key, and adjacent islands as needed, after being built and traveling from Michigan. The new truck can hold 30 gallons of foam, 720 gallons of water, and pumps 1,500 gallons per minute.
 
“Adding this ladder truck to our fleet enhances the fire protection services we provide to our citizens in the Florida Keys,” said Deputy Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “We are always looking for ways to make our residents and visitors safer, and this new ladder truck allows Monroe County Fire Rescue to respond faster and more safely to any dangerous situations.”  

​MONROE COUNTY, FL — Monroe County Fire Rescue and Monroe County Professional Firefighters Local 3909 are partnering to raise awareness for autism during Autism Awareness Month throughout April. Firefighters will wear autism awareness t-shirts and attend a class, Understanding Autism—Practical Strategies for Emergency Responders, taught by Autism Society of the Keys Director Jill Campbell.
 
To purchase a t-shirt and support the cause, visit www.local3909.com. A portion of the proceeds go to the Autism Society of the Keys, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the primary goal of helping families affected by autism in the Florida Keys. More information on the nonprofit can be found at www.autismsocietyofthekeys.com. 

​SCOUT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue Trauma Star/EMS Division and Monroe County Sheriff's Office presented three Boy Scout of America (BSA) personnel with Phoenix Awards and Commendation awards for saving a 45-year-old woman who experienced sudden cardiac arrest on March 9, 2024 at the BSA Camp in Summerland Key.
 
The award recipients were recently certified in CPR and quickly resorted to their training. When she collapsed and became unresponsive, they called 9-1-1 and immediately began CPR and administered a shock with an AED that was located on the property. Their quick actions saved her life until a MCSO deputy arrived along with the MCFR crew. She was transported to Trauma Star and flown for definitive care in Miami.

“This is a perfect example of why bystander CPR and basic first aid training is so important," said Division Chief of Trauma Star/EMS Andrea Thompson. "Bystander-initiated care drastically increases someone’s chances of survival."

The Phoenix Award, named for the mythical bird who rises from the ashes unscathed, is presented to first responders who restore life to a patient who can return to a similar quality of life.

Monroe County’s UF/IFAS Extension Service offers American Heart Association CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant) and First Aid Certification courses. The CPR/First Aid combo course costs $41. Participants receive an American Heart Association certification after completing the course. Courses are offered on the following dates:
        • April 24, 10 AM at Marathon Public Library- 3490 Overseas Hwy.
        • April 25, 10 AM at Plantation Key Community Center- 53 High Point Rd.
        • April 30, 9 AM at the Gato Building- 1100 Simonton St. Key West Conference Room

Please call Monroe County Extension to register for any of these courses or if you have questions 305-292-4501.

BIG COPPITT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Monroe County Firefighters Benevolent Association is hosting their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. at the Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Drive. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures after hiding thousands of eggs and one “special” golden egg for kids to find.
 
Children can tour a fire truck, meet on-duty firefighters, and safely help firefighters put out a pretend house fire. Snow cones and cotton candy will be available, along with fire prevention material. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm will also be in attendance.
 
“This is our 14th year hosting this event, and our firefighters look forward to seeing the kids enjoy the morning every year,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “Please join our firefighters and the Easter Bunny to hunt for eggs and learn more about fire safety.”
 
For more information, call 305-289-6005 or email [email protected].

​​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office wants everyone to have a fun and, most importantly, safe New Years. Please leave fireworks displays to the professionals.
 
“Discharge of fireworks can lead to loss of life and property,” said Monroe County Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “Fireworks can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, including sparklers, which can cause real damage when not handled properly.”
 
All professional fireworks in unincorporated Monroe County must be permitted through the Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office. The Fire Marshal’s Office approved the following fireworks displays in unincorporated Monroe County (all times are approximate):

• Dec. 31 – Ocean Reef Club at 8:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
• Jan. 1 - Bungalows Key Largo Resort at midnight
• Jan. 1 – Bakers Cay Resort at midnight
• Jan. 1 – Hawks Cay Resort at midnight

 
There are additional displays in some municipalities.
 
**If you live near fireworks shows, you may want to soothe your pets and keep them indoors.
For more information on fireworks permitting, please visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireworks. Monroe County also lists other permitted fireworks displays on this page for reference, including for special events like weddings. 

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue graduated its sixth “Hot Shots” class on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Class 23-01 includes 22 qualified men and women on their way to becoming career or volunteer firefighters. The graduates successfully completed 456 hours of intensive classroom and rigorous practical training over the past 3.5 months.
 
Eighteen of the students are residents of Monroe County. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners continues to support the program that waives the $2,200 tuition fee for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to volunteer or work as a career firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys for three years.
 
“We are excited to see these students graduate from our Monroe County Fire Academy Hot Shots Program and look forward to them serving in the Florida Keys community in the future,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina.
 
The graduates completed the 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program and are prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter II examination. To be hired at Monroe County Fire Rescue, a candidate must also complete EMT training.
 
Graduates include Jesus Acosta, Nathan Acosta, Brent Bishop, Dylan Boyd, Connor Burden, Jonathan Diaz, Isaac Duran, Neovaldys Duran, Mikaelle Fundora, Gavin Gonzalez, Fernando Kreitz, Mackenzie Laak, Yosvany Lorenzo, Cole McDaniel, Demetrius Miller, Paul Packert, Victor Pugliese, Ryan Ramos, Chad Rodriguez, Josiah Sisco, Richard Traybsza and Michael Venezia.
 
There are no new classes scheduled at this time at the training academy. More information about the “Hot Shots” program can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots or email [email protected].

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – On Wednesday, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed January 8-12, 2024 as First Responder’s Week in Monroe County.

Monroe County’s first responders include law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, FWC, and dispatchers. First responders undergo significant training and personal sacrifice to respond to emergencies, and they are a vital part of our community in times of crisis. 

​TAVERNIER, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue and Monroe County Parks and Beaches invite the public to take a picture with Santa and meet local firefighters on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. The first 100 children will receive a frisbee, and there will also be candy canes and fire truck tours in addition to meeting with the “big guy” himself.


“Harry Harris Park got hit pretty bad by this past storm, but we are excited to get the park back to its glory and have Santa visit the fabulous Florida Keys for all of the local children to enjoy,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “We look forward to seeing you then.”


Please bring your camera or cell phone if you want a picture with Santa. 

TAVERNIER, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue and Monroe County Parks and Beaches invite the public to take a picture with Santa and meet local firefighters on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. The first 100 children will receive a frisbee, and there will also be candy canes and fire truck tours in addition to meeting with the “big guy” himself.
 
“Harry Harris Park got hit pretty bad by this past storm, but we are excited to get the park back to its glory and have Santa visit the fabulous Florida Keys for all of the local children to enjoy,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “We look forward to seeing you then.”
 
Please bring your camera or cell phone if you want a picture with Santa.

 MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue Firefighter Jake Werner will honor Monroe County Fire Rescue’s fallen brother, Herve Thomas, in the 2023 Brotherhood Ride on Oct. 27, 2023. The Brotherhood Ride consists of firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel who ride bicycles to honor emergency first responders who have died in the line of duty. Thomas passed away while on duty in May 2021. The organization’s mission is to provide emotional and financial support to the families of fallen heroes. The 2023 ride is dedicated to Florida’s 27 fallen heroes who died in the line of duty in 2022. Werner and others on the team will pedal nine days from Naples to Miami, covering 600 miles, averaging 70-90 miles daily. Werner also rode in the 2022 ride in honor of Thomas.
 
“Firefighter Werner continues to represent Monroe County Fire Rescue in this ride to remember our fallen heroes across the state and our fallen brother Herve Thomas,” said Monroe County Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “We thank Jake for his willingness to participate and represent the Florida Keys in this annual event.”
 
Werner, of Key Largo, knew Thomas and worked with him for more than 10 years and wanted to do this to honor his memory. He has been riding his bike daily, averaging 20-25 miles daily to prepare.
 
To learn more about the Brotherhood Ride, a nonprofit organization, or to contribute to Werner’s fundraising efforts, visit www.brotherhoodride.co