MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue, Chief R.L. Colina, and Mayor Michelle Lincoln proudly welcomed 19 new firefighters during a pinning ceremony held today at the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center on Thursday. Family and friends of the newly pinned firefighters also attended.

The ceremony marked an important milestone for the newest members of Monroe County Fire Rescue as they begin their careers dedicated to protecting the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. Some of the new firefighters start their first shift on Friday.

Please welcome:

FF/EMT Blake Angulo
FF/EMT Inkhnaton Brown
FF/EMT Luis Cordova
FF/EMT Darryl Cozier
FF/EMT Emmanuel Fernandez
FF/EMT Mark Forman
FF/EMT Andrew Gallo
FF/EMT Mylan Henriquez
FF/EMT Nicholas Jimenez
FF/EMT Lucas Lezcano
FF/EMT Cristobal Martinez
FF/EMT Domenic Mata
FF/EMT Michael Rilo
FF/EMT Tyler Rodriguez
FF/EMT Sean Salazar
FF/EMT Giovanni Santiago
FF/EMT Brandon Shuman
FF/EMT George Sigler
FF/PM Timothy Sotomayor

The pinning ceremony recognizes the dedication, training, and commitment required to serve as a member of Monroe County Fire Rescue. These new firefighters and emergency medical professionals will join the department in providing fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue services, and emergency response throughout Monroe County.

“Today represents more than receiving a badge and a pin,” said Colina. “It represents a commitment to serve our community, to be there for people during some of their most difficult moments, and to uphold the high standards expected of Monroe County Fire Rescue.”

BIG PINE KEY, FL – The Big Pine Key brush fire is 95 percent contained after burning approximately 35 acres. Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR), Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), and U.S. Wildland Service continue to monitor the area as conditions remain dry. U.S. Wildland Service remains in the area, and MCFR and MCSO will continue nightly patrols and routine spot checks. A brush truck also remains ready to respond if needed.

The fire began Aug. 5 and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike. While there is currently no threat to nearby properties, the incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can develop in the dry vegetation found throughout the Lower Keys.

Residents may notice the lingering smell of burned wood within the fire area. No significant smoke activity is currently being reported.

“Residents in the area should still remain vigilant and call in any smoke or fire they may see in the area,” said MCFR Deputy Chief Mark Hemeyer. “If you see something, say something. Our fire crews would rather investigate a report than have a potential fire go unchecked.”

Forecasted moisture associated with remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to help conditions, with rain chances increasing later this week. However, vegetation remains dry, and residents and visitors are asked to remain cautious with cigarettes, open flames, and other potential ignition sources.

Barring any significant change in fire activity or conditions, this will be Monroe County Emergency Management’s final update on the Big Pine Key brush fire.

BIG PINE KEY, FL – The Big Pine Key brush fire is 95 percent contained. Monroe County Fire Rescue crews will remain in the area as dry conditions from El Niño and Saharan dust, along with deep-burning fuels, continue to create smoke and small flare-ups.

Monroe County Fire Rescue Station 13 and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continue to monitor the affected and nearby areas, including overnight patrols. U.S. Wildland Fire Service also has personnel on scene, including an extra engine in the area.

Recent rainfall has helped conditions but has not been enough to end drought conditions. Fire officials say the established control lines remain secure, but dead and down vegetation within the interior fire area continues to burn. Those east of the fire will continue to see and smell smoke. Allowing the fire to consume those fuels reduces the dead vegetation available, which can help prevent future wildfires. Big Pine Key's rockland geology also has little soil to hold moisture in the porous cap rock, which allows the area to continue to smolder.

“Residents should continue to be vigilant due to the dry conditions and report any unattended fire, flames, or smoke that appears to be outside the established fire area by calling 911,” said Monroe County Deputy Chief of Operations Mark Hemeyer. “Dry and hot weather remains a concern throughout the Florida Keys, and residents are urged to remain cautious with any activity that could create a spark or ignition source.”

Several homes east of the fire area continue to experience smoke impacts. Fire personnel have been in direct contact with affected residents and will continue monitoring conditions for them.

BIG PINE KEY - Tunnel 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, Naima Thomas (wife and daughter of the late Monroe County Fire Rescue Firefighter Herve Thomas), and Tunnel to Towers are hosting a 5K on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 9 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.

SAVE THE DATE: In continuation of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, in November, Monroe County and the Tourist Development Council will also host the Tunnel to Towers “Never Forget” traveling 9/11 exhibit, along with a U.S. Army Knights paratrooper drop-in and drone show Nov. 17 at Founder’s Park in Islamorada and the evening before the run on Nov. 20 at Big Pine Key Community Park.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – September 11 marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States, which claimed the lives of 2,996 people and injured more than 6,000 others at the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

On Sept. 11, 2001, in addition to law enforcement officers, medical service providers, and other public servants, 343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

"On September 11, we pause to remember the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call," said Chief RL Colina. "We are honored to continue to invite our community to join us at our fire stations as we remember their legacy and reflect on the importance of service, sacrifice, and unity."

Monroe County Fire Rescue invites the public to any of the Monroe County Fire Rescue stations on Sept. 11 to reflect on the lives lost.

• 9:50 a.m. – Primary apparatus brought out of the station bay.
• 9:59 – (Time of the South Tower WTC collapse), sound apparatus air horn in three sets of five blasts followed by one minute of silence.
• 10:00 to 10:28 – Time for personal remembrance and reflection.
• 10:28 – (Time of the North Tower WTC collapse), sound apparatus air horn in three sets of five blasts followed by one minute of silence.
• 10:29 – Flag raised and then returned to half-staff.
• 10:30 – Return apparatus to station and resume normal duties.

During the remembrance, normal emergency response actions will be observed if needed.

Stations are located at:

• Station 8 - Stock Island, 5655 MacDonald Avenue, MM 5
• Station 9 - Big Coppitt, 28 Emerald Drive, MM 10
• Station 11 – Cudjoe, 22352 Overseas Highway, MM 22
• Station 13 - Big Pine Key, 390 Key Deer Boulevard, MM 30.5
• Station 17 - Conch Key, 10 S Conch Avenue, MM 63
• Station 18 – Layton, 68260 Overseas Highway, MM 68.5
• Station 22 – Tavernier, 151 Marine Avenue, MM 92

SUGARLOAF KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) has temporarily relocated personnel assigned to Station 10 in Sugarloaf Key to Station 9 in Big Coppitt Key and Station 11 in Cudjoe Key. This temporary relocation will not affect MCFR’s commitment to serving the Sugarloaf Key area. A dedicated Advanced Life Support response capability will remain in place for the area, supported by Monroe County firefighters and paramedics, who will work the same shifts as at the temporary location.

Station 10 personnel were initially relocated to a temporary location within the Sugarloaf Key area in July 2025 after the existing station became unsuitable for occupancy. The county is working with a contractor to rebuild the Sugarloaf station. Starting July 29, 2026, these crews will respond from Monroe County Fire Rescue’s neighboring stations to the north and south while planning and construction for Station 10 continues.

Station 10 crews will continue conducting daily training, fire inspections, pre-incident planning, and other operational activities throughout the Sugarloaf Key community. MCFR will closely monitor all response times and will adjust if necessary to protect the community members of Sugarloaf Key.

“The safety of Sugarloaf Key residents and visitors remains our priority during this temporary relocation,” said Monroe County Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “Although our crews are temporarily responding from neighboring stations, Monroe County Fire Rescue will maintain an active presence in the Sugarloaf area and continue providing daily operations and emergency response coverage.”

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Fire Academy Class 26-01 graduated on Friday, July 24. Class 26-01 includes 24 qualified men and women on their way to becoming firefighters. The graduates successfully completed 456 hours of intensive classroom and rigorous practical training over the past 3.5 months. Mayor Michelle Lincoln was the keynote speaker.

“Graduation from the Monroe County Fire Academy is more than the completion of training; it is the beginning of a commitment to selfless service,” said Monroe County Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “We congratulate these graduates on their achievement and are proud to welcome the next generation of firefighters who will serve the Florida Keys with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.”

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 Roberto Baez, Christopher Batres, Zachary Bolano, Carlos Camacho, Dominick Candelario, Domenico Carrera, Melvin Castro, Joshua Chardon, Gabriel Cline, Jacob Decker, Julian Diaz-Cortes, Rancel Fajardo, Dylan Gil, Dylan Gonzalez, Cole Jackson, Pablo Jimenez, Ashley Lagodny-Guerra, Jordan Padron, Fernando Perez, Andre Ramirez, Neilee Rebolledo-Vargas, Gianluca Salvatori, Gabriel Siman-Garcia, and Khambrell Walker.
                                                                
The next fire academy is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2026. More information about the program can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/FireAcademy or by emailing [email protected].

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Florida Keys. MCFR will provide a gentle misting stream of water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe, fun environment. It is a great way to meet your neighborhood firefighters, learn about fire prevention, and cool off from the summer heat. Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes, and bring a bottle of water and a towel. The events take place on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

• May 30 - Tavernier, Harry Harris Park
• June 6 - Layton Community Baptist Church
• June 13 - Big Pine Key Community Park
• June 20 - Sugarloaf School
• June 27 - Stock Island, Bernstein Park

“These events are one of our favorite ways to connect with families in the community, giving kids the chance to meet our firefighters and enjoy some time cooling off in the summer heat,” said Fire Marshal Marcos Osorio. “It’s also a great opportunity to share important summer safety tips while having fun at the same time.”
For more information, please call Monroe County Fire Rescue at 305-289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather.

GRASSY KEY, FL – Last Monday, Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomed class 26-01 to the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. Class 26-01 has 29 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 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 July 24, 2026. With 90 applicants and a growing interest in the program, Monroe County Fire Rescue will host another fire academy in October. This is the first year two academies will be held in one year. For more information about future programs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireacademy or email [email protected].

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in seven 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 and friends.

Please welcome: Firefighter/EMT Gaspar Calafell, Firefighter/EMT Neovaldys Duran, Firefighter/EMT Liam Freeman, Firefighter/EMT Juan Gonzalez, Firefighter/EMT Matthew Rodriguez, Firefighter/EMT Justin Valea, and Firefighter/EMT Jourdan Zojaji.

“We’re proud to welcome these seven new firefighters to the Monroe County Fire Rescue family,” said R.L. Colina. “Each of them has answered the call to serve our community with courage and commitment. From day one, they are part of a team that shows up when it matters most, and I have no doubt they will carry on the high standard of service our residents and visitors rely on every day.”