​GRASSY KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomes its seventh “Hot Shots” class to Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. Class 24-01 includes 26 qualified trainees starting the process to become a career or volunteer firefighter. Of the 26 students, 21 are residents of Monroe County. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners continues to support the program that waives the 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.
 
“The ‘Hot Shots’ program provides those within our community looking for a career in fire rescue the ability to complete the program without any debt,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “By bringing in homegrown candidates with local family and friend support, we hope to keep the talent we train at the academy serving our Florida Keys communities for years to come.”
 
Students who complete the 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program are prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter II examination.
 
The program finishes on Dec. 13. Classes are held usually once a year. There are no new classes scheduled at this time. More information about the program can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots or by emailing [email protected]. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL-- The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) recognized Capt. Kevin Freestone of TowBoat U.S. today for his rapid, selfless actions and assistance following a boating accident on July 8, 2024, at approximately 2 a.m. and for his dedicated actions helping with water response over the years. Freestone was presented with MCFR’s first Selfless Actions For Emergency Responses S.A.F.E.R. award, and his name will be listed on a plaque at fire rescue headquarters.
 
In July, MCFR was alerted to respond to a boating incident near the South Channel Bridge on Big Pine Key. Upon arrival, firefighters found a boat with eight people on board, including children, that had struck the bridge and was still in the water. The crew secured the boat to the bridge; however, it was sinking. Firefighters used a 14-foot ladder to board the vessel and evacuated the five patients who could walk.
 
Due to the need for waterborne transport, Freestone was notified and immediately responded by boat. He transported the three seriously injured patients from the boat to a nearby marina, where MCFR personnel were staged. Trauma Star and Air Rescue South transported these seriously injured patients to a specialty medical center on the mainland.
 
As a result of Freestone’s rapid response, knowledge of the waters, and act of selflessness, MCFR was able to transport these patients effectively,” said Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Callahan. “Freestone has assisted others in the past by responding to multiple incidents and continues to help and protect the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. He exemplifies what this award means.”

​MONROE COUNTY, FL— Monroe County hired Antonio Gandia, M.D., as its medical director for ground and air ambulance services. He met with the Monroe County Fire Chief Jim Callahan and other officials over the weekend. The medical director establishes the medical protocol and will provide medical direction to Monroe County’s EMTs and paramedics. He will also directly oversee quality assurance and compliance of all medical personnel operating within the county.  
 
For 25 years, Gandia has served as the medical director for several other fire departments, including the City of Key West. Working as an emergency department physician at the Lower Keys Medical Center, Gandia feels good about the hospital’s relationship with the fire departments in the Florida Keys.
 
Gandia’s specialty is emergency medicine, and he has been involved in several state and national medical organizations. He is on the governor-appointed advisory board for the EMS Advisory Council and is also a past president of the Florida Association of Medical Directors.
 
“I know you can’t stop operations for a minute,” said Gandia. “I’m here to keep things moving and serve the community as best as I can.”
 
He is originally from New York and has resided in Deerfield Beach with his wife for 35 years. His daughter and two sons also live in Broward County. Gandia feels close ties to the fire department because his son is a firefighter for the City of Margate.
 
“On behalf of the department and its members, Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomes Dr. Gandia,” said Deputy Chief R.L. Colina. “We all stand ready to serve the community.”

​MONROE COUNTY, FL—The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) officials were made aware this morning of grand jury indictments issued against Monroe County Fire Rescue and Trauma Star Medical Director Dr. Sandra Schwemmer and MCFR EMS and Trauma Star Division Chief Andrea Thompson stemming from a 2022 investigation.
 
The County is in the process of terminating its contract with Schwemmer’s company, effective immediately. The County paid Schwemmer’s company $124,842.50 annually to provide medical director services for MCFR’s paramedics and flight nurses. 
 
Key West Fire Rescue Medical Director Dr. Antonio Gandia has agreed to step in and become Monroe County’s temporary medical director and will assist MCFR in any capacity needed.
 
Thompson, hired on July 30, 2001, has been suspended without pay pending a pre-determination hearing. Deputy Chief R.L. Colina will directly oversee the division, effective immediately. The pre-determination hearing, which is used to review an employee’s status following an arrest or other disciplinary action, has not yet been set. Thompson’s total annual salary is $151,127.87.
 
The latest indictments follow the grand jury’s decision last week to indict former MCFR Chief Flight Nurse Lynda Rusinowski, who was involved in medical drug-related misconduct within the department. Rusinowski resigned on Aug. 19, 2022 before a pre-determination meeting was scheduled.
 
“These are serious criminal charges brought forward from a separate review by the State Attorney’s Office independent of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigation, and we are taking these allegations very seriously,” said Acting County Administrator Kevin Wilson. “We will follow due process during our internal investigations while we await formal court proceedings. Our first priority is to ensure that the County’s emergency services continue to provide excellent care to our residents and visitors without interruptions.”

​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.

​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):

• July 3 - Big Pine Key Community Park at 9 p.m.
• July 4 - Hawks Cay Resort at Duck Key at 10 p.m.
• July 4 - Bungalows Key Largo Resort at 10 p.m.
• July 4 - Sundowners in Key Largo at 9:15 p.m.
• July 4 - Ocean Reef Club around 9 p.m.

 
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, 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.