​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Monroe County Fire Rescue Fire Chief RL Colina welcomed six new firefighter/EMTs to Monroe County Fire Rescue in a pinning ceremony at the January BOCC meeting. Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomes Isaac Duran, Jonathan Enriquez, Giovany Oliva, Jr., Victor Paneda, Michael Perez, and Joshua Roman.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue wants everyone to have a fun and, most importantly, safe New Year's Eve and Day. Please leave fireworks displays to the professionals.
 
“We want everyone to ring in the New Year safely. Professional fireworks displays are designed with safety in mind, but backyard fireworks put people and homes in danger,” said Monroe County Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “Celebrate responsibly and help us make it a safe night for everyone.”
 
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 8:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
• Jan. 1 - Bungalows Key Largo Resort at midnight
• Jan. 1 – Bakers Cay Resort at midnight (Key Largo)
• Jan. 1 – Hawks Cay Resort at midnight (Duck Key)

 
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.
As a reminder, Monroe County government offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at noon, and will reopen for regular business on Friday morning, Jan. 2. 

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Lt. Tony Araque and Firefighter Eliseo Araque recently attended the Basic Honor Guard class at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. This intensive course provided foundational instruction in Honor Guard history, ceremonial protocols, flag handling, marching movements, uniform standards, and proper conduct during line-of-duty death funerals and memorial services. The father-and-son duo hope to restore the tradition for Monroe County Fire Rescue.
 
Through this training, both gained a deeper understanding of the significance and responsibilities of an Honor Guard, as well as the precision, discipline, and professionalism required to represent the fire service with dignity and respect. Their participation reflects a strong commitment to preserving fire service traditions and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
 
“The initiation of the Monroe County Fire Rescue Honor Guard represents our commitment to professionalism, tradition, and respect,” said Chief R.L. Colina. “This program ensures that we honor our fallen, support our families, and represent our department and county with the dignity and precision that the fire service demands.”
 

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue has promoted Alejandro Lucio, a 17-year Monroe County Fire Rescue firefighter/Paramedic and flight medic, to Battalion Chief of Operations. Lucio, a Miami native, majored in business and worked at his family’s export company, where he managed complex software systems and accounting operations, before discovering firefighting.
 
“Lucio has earned this promotion through years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Monroe County,” said Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “He is calm under pressure, he leads by example, and he consistently brings out the best in those around him. We’re proud of his journey, and we’re even more proud to have him in this leadership role.”
 
Lucio says he entered the fire service after joining a friend at a Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department meeting. That night ignited a passion for public service. From there, Lucio completed the first responder class at the department’s night school program and went on to earn EMT and Paramedic certifications. Then, he enrolled in the Miami-Dade College Firefighter Minimum Standards course and later earned dual associate degrees in Fire Science and Medical Services from Braxton College.
 
Lucio credits much of his success to the support of his high school sweetheart and wife, Joselyn, and their children, Christopher and Emma, who joined him at the pinning. His parents also attended the ceremony with him.
 
“I am grateful to be able to do this job,” Lucio said. “I believe in this service, and I am humbled and appreciative of this opportunity.”

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue will be hosting several holiday parades throughout the Florida Keys.
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Monroe County Fire Rescue crew members who are volunteering their time will throw candy donated by IAFF Local 3909 along the routes from a fire truck, and, of course, Santa Claus will also take time from his busy schedule to ride on a fire truck.

The exact times and routes for each parade will be posted on Monroe County Fire Rescue's Facebook page before the event.

• Monday, Dec. 8 - Stock Island & Key Haven
• Tuesday, Dec. 9 - Big Coppitt & Bay Point
• Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Sugarloaf, Cudjoe, & Summerland
• Thursday, Dec. 11 – Ramrod &Little Torch
• Saturday, Dec. 13 - Big Pine Key
• Tuesday, Dec. 16 - Long Key & Layton
• Wednesday, Dec. 17 – Tavernier
• Wednesday, Dec 24 - Conch Key & Duck Key

“Our community is better because of the people who step up to keep traditions going,” said Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “Our firefighters who volunteer their time to make the holidays magical for our neighborhoods, and to bring Santa right to our streets, are a perfect example of that spirit. Their dedication keeps our community connected, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the joy they share with all of us.”

​ BIG PINE KEY – Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief R.L. Colina and Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay will be giving an opening speech at the Tunnels to Towers Foundation 5K on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Park. The foundation supports our nation's fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families, created in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001. Nicole Gerrard and Naima Thomas (wife and daughter of the late Monroe County Fire Rescue Firefighter Herve Thomas), along with Tunnels to Towers, are hosting the event. Many Monroe County firefighters and sheriff officers will be participating in the event.
 
To register for the 5K, donate, or volunteer, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/BigPineKey/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkBigPineKeyFL or www.t2t.org. Email [email protected] for more information.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in nine new firefighters to Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The newly sworn-in firefighters took their oaths to support and uphold MCFR’s mission and were presented with their official badges by family members.
 
Please welcome: Nathan Acosta, Jonathan Camps, Miguel Delima, Eric Sellers, Andy Herrero, Ricardo Lezcano, Brycen Fresco, Jonathan Abraham, and Fernando Kreitz.
 
Here are some details on the new hires:
 
Jonathan Abraham went to fire school at Miami Dade College. “I wanted to have a career that screams family, and being a firefighter in Monroe County checks all my boxes,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know the crew and being involved with the community.”
 
Nathan Acosta, from Miami, completed his fire academy training through the Joe London Fire Academy in Grassy Key. “My drive to learn and grow as a person, paired with my family’s support, is what led me to this position,” he said. “Now that I’ve been hired with Monroe County Fire Rescue, I’m most excited to continue learning and officially become part of the MCFR family.
 
Jonathan Camps, originally from Miami, moved down to the Florida Keys about two years ago and graduated from Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. “I have an intense passion for helping others in their moments of deepest need and look forward to the brotherhood that comes with the fire department,” he said. “I am truly excited to make an impact in Monroe County, amongst my peers, and the community.”
 
Miguel Delima, from Miami, completed his fire/EMT/Paramedics training at Miami Dade College. The dad of two said, “I enjoy tutoring and mentoring aspiring EMS students who are pursuing the same career path I did. Being a firefighter had always been a dream of mine, and I realized that I couldn't teach my son to follow his dreams if I wasn't following mine, and I'm excited to one day be able to teach a new generation these skills and tactics.”
 
Brycen Fresco grew up in Key Largo and attended Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety for fire academy and graduated from Florida State University in 2024. “I have always known that I wanted to join the fire service, but went to college first since I had the opportunity,” he said. “I am excited to work as a professional firefighter for Monroe County to serve and give back to the community that I grew up in.
 
Andy Herrero went to Miami Dade College Fire Academy. “The thought of helping people and making sure they feel safe, even in their darkest times, is what led me to want to be a firefighter,” he said. “I am most excited about all the knowledge I will gain working with some of the best at Monroe County Fire Rescue.”
 
Fernando Kreitz attended the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key, completed EMT training at Pelham in Indiana, and is pending completion of Paramedic licensing. “After doing the fire academy in the Keys, I fell in love with the area and the people who surround it,” he said. “I love how the department is growing, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
 
Ricardo Lezcano has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Miami Dade College and went to Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety for the fire academy. He enjoys spending time with his loved ones whenever possible. “The loss of a family member influenced my decision to pursue this career path,” he said. “This inspired me to go through the necessary training to be able to help those in need.”
 
Eric Sellers, an 8th-generation Conch, graduated from Key West High School and went to the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to follow my dad and uncle's footsteps into this career,” he said. “I'm super excited to get into this career and serve my community that I know so well.”

GRASSY KEY, FL – On Monday, Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomed class 25-01 to the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. Class 25-01 has 33 qualified trainees out of 90 applicants, marking the beginning of their process to become certified Florida State firefighters.
 
“I am excited for the newest minimum standards training class starting at the academy, who will be learning from our dedicated training staff,” said Monroe County Fire Chief RL Colina. “We look forward to preparing these candidates over the next few months to build a foundation for them to become the future firefighters who will serve our communities with skill and dedication.”
 
Students who complete the 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program are prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter II examination. The fire academy includes 398 hours of rigorous daily physical training and classwork, equipping participants with the skills and discipline necessary to protect the community and uphold a commitment to public safety.
 
The trainees will conclude the program on Jan. 23, 2026. Classes are usually held once a year. There are no new classes scheduled at this time. For more information about future programs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireacademy or email [email protected].

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety, Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The campaign aims to educate children about the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and teach them how to play an active role in staying safe when using or charging everyday devices.
 
MCFR will conduct outreach programs from Oct. 5-11 in seven schools and daycares within Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction. The firefighters will teach children about fire prevention and safety tips, give them tours of the fire trucks, and introduce them to a fan favorite, Sparky the Fire Dog.
 
“This is a new theme this year,” said Deputy Chief Marcos Osorio. “Sparky and our firefighters will be teaching the kids the important usual fire safety tips, but will also focus on battery safety, like unplugging devices when they are fully charged to prevent fires.”
 
Other battery tips:

• Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized battery testing lab.
• Charge devices safely and always use the cable that came with the product.
• Recycle batteries responsibly. Recycling batteries helps the environment, and the materials in the batteries can be reused.

 
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. For more information on MCFR, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue.

 BIG PINE KEY - Tunnels to Towers Foundation supports our nation's fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families, created in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001. Nicole Gerrard and Naima Thomas (wife and daughter of late Monroe County Fire Rescue Firefighter Herve Thomas) and Tunnels to Towers are hosting a 5K on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Park. To register for the 5K, donate, and volunteer, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/BigPineKey/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkBigPineKeyFL or www.t2t.org. Email [email protected] for more information.