MONROE COUNTY, FL—The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief Jim Callahan sware in four new firefighters to Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The newly sworn-in firefighters gave their oaths to support and uphold MCFR’s mission and were given their official badges by members of their families. Three are Hotshot graduates.
Please welcome: Evan Hernandez, Firefighter/EMT, from Miami. He received the Fire and EMT certifications at Miami Dade College. He enjoys spending time with his family and fishing. Growing up, he spent most of his weekends in the Keys with his family. His passion for helping people and wanting to be more involved in the community has led him to this position. He said, “There’s a lot that I am excited for now that I am with MCFR. One of them is being part of the fire service brotherhood.” Victor Pugliese, Firefighter/EMT, from Miami. He is a graduate of the Hotshots program. He received the EMT certification from the American Medical Academy. In his spare time, he enjoys working out and riding his Harley Davidson. He said, “It wasn’t a second thought to come and work for Monroe County; I have heard nothing but great things about this department. I am most excited about broadening my skillset and expanding my horizons with the professionals at MCFR.” Jesus Acosta, Firefighter/PM, from Miami. He is a graduate of the Hotshots program. He received the EMT certification from the American Medical Academy. He is expecting his first child on Nov. 5 and, in his spare time, loves to fish and work out. He said, “I truly couldn’t be happier accomplishing my dream to become a firefighter. I hope to move up the ranks and join the Trauma Star Program one day.” Chad Rodriguez, Firefighter/EMT, from Key West. He received the EMT certification from the College of the Florida Keys and is a graduate of the Hotshots program. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching varsity softball at Key West High School, is a referee and umpire for high school football, baseball, and softball, and is the Monroe County Officials Association president. He comes from a long line of firefighters and is continuing the legacy. He said, “I am most excited to begin my career and learn and grow as much as possible with MCFR.” The Hotshots program is a free firefighting and first responder training for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to volunteer for three years or work as a firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys. To learn more about the Hotshots program, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots.
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MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office wants everyone to have a fun and, most importantly, a safe 4th of July week. 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):
There are additional displays in some municipalities. **If you live near fireworks shows, you may want to soothe your pets and keep them indoors. Here are a few ideas provided by the National Fire Prevention Association to get into the patriotic spirit without fireworks: 1. Glow sticks: A safe alternative to a sparkler. 2. Noisemakers: Make your own if you can’t find any. 3. Outdoor movie night: Set up a screen and projector. 4. Make a patriotic craft with the family. 5. Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake. 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. As a reminder, Monroe County government offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and will reopen for regular business on Friday morning. MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE CAPT. DAVID SEBBEN TO RETIRE AFTER 30 YEARS OF PROTECTING THE FLORIDA KEYS6/19/2024 MONROE COUNTY, FL— After 30 years of serving the Florida Keys community as a Firefighter/Paramedic and certified training instructor, long-standing Monroe County employee Captain David Sebben will retire from Monroe County Fire Rescue at the end of June.
“My career was inspired by friendship and has been full of many firsts,” he said. “I was in one of the department’s first fire academies, completed the flight medic programs, was one of the first paid flight medics on Trauma Star, and in the first group of promotions to Lieutenant.” A career memory of his includes being part of the crew that fought the fire at Melons Restaurant, a small strip mall on Plantation Key in 1993. While on the roof, the tins beneath his feet began to crumble, and as he started down the ladder, the roof collapsed. After Sept. 11, 2001, he also served on the County’s first Urban Search and Rescue team and the Light Technical Rescue team to help victims in more complex situations. Sebben plans to remain local and spend more time with his wife, Crystal, and children, Kaitlyn, Abby, and Alex. Alex is following in his father’s footsteps by attending Florida State Fire College. “We are proud of David’s accomplishments with Monroe County Fire Rescue. He was the impromptu leader at the station where I worked when I first started here,” said Fire Chief Jim Callahan. “I am honored to have worked with him during his tenure and wish him great success in his retirement.” BIG PINE KEY, FL— Monroe County Fire Rescue, the Florida Forest Service, and the U.S. National Weather Service Key West Florida are co-hosting Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Big Pine Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive, Big Pine Key. These organizations partner with the National Fire Protection Association to promote simple tips to protect your home and community from wildfires.
The event will have free fire prevention materials and snow cones. Children can put out a house fire, tour a fire truck, and meet firefighters and forest rangers. |
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