​MONROE COUNTY, FL –  Today, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners swore in Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief Rene Luis “RL” Colina, and his wife Stephanie pinned him. Colina has led the organization since his January Board of County Commissioners confirmation.
 
Colina started with Monroe County in February 2020 as a battalion chief and fire marshal and became deputy chief in August 2021. Before coming to Monroe County, he worked for the Apopka (Florida) Fire Department, starting in 1997. Many of his colleagues, who he has worked with over the years from across the state, joined him this morning at the ceremony along with his family. He has a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Medical Services from the University of Florida and numerous certifications from the Florida State Fire College and the National Fire Academy. 
 
“It is an honor to serve the communities within Monroe County as its fire chief,” said Colina. “I stand proudly with our Monroe County Fire Rescue members in providing exceptional life-saving services.”

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in 11 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.
 
Please welcome: FF/EMT Juan Vigueras, FF/EMT Rolando Avila, FF/EMT Gavin Gonzalez, FF/EMT Andres Bianco, FF/EMT Jean Joseph, FF/PM Yosvany Lorenzo, FF/PM Jorge Yohay, FF/EMT Alexander Rodriguez, FF/EMT Henry Santana, FF/EMT Cole McDaniel and FF/PM Rogelio Medina.
 
Here are some details on the new hires:
 
FF/EMT Juan Vigueras received his fire certificate from Miami Dade College. He is excited to be a part of MCFR and loves the Florida Keys for its fishing. “Now that I’ve been given this opportunity to work in Monroe County, I most look forward to the relationships I’ll make with the crews moving forward and the lifelong commitment to protecting and servicing the Florida Keys,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Rolando Avila went to Fire Academy at Barry University and enjoys spending time on the water and in the woods up north. “I am most excited about being able to serve the community since I practically grew up down here; it’s my second home,” he said. “I plan to learn something new daily and apply my skills when needed.”
 
FF/EMT Gavin Gonzalez went to South Dade High School and is a graduate of Monroe County’s “Hot Shots” program. He is also a dad to a 4-year-old son and has a daughter due in February. The tragic 9/11 triggered his interest in becoming a professional firefighter. “I am truly excited to serve the citizens of Monroe County and form bonds with my fellow firefighters,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Andres Bianco went to Florida International University and was fire-certified by Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety. In his free time, he coaches lacrosse/basketball. “I was drawn to Monroe County when I received my Diver Medic Technician and loved the community atmosphere and all the great things I have heard about the department,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Jean Joseph went to Broward Fire Academy. He previously worked at Mariner’s Hospital, where he routinely interacted with Monroe County firefighters. “I saw how professional and respectful the firefighters were to everyone, and that was very humbling to me,” he said. “I am ready to work hard and save lives.”
 
FF/PM Yosvany Lorenzo completed his EMT/Paramedic degree at American Medical Academy and was in Monroe County’s Hot Shots program. “The Florida Keys have always been like home, and I’m grateful to give back and help the community,” he said.
 
FF/PM Jorge Yohay attended Fire Academy at Miami Dade College. In his spare time, he likes to fish and play soccer. “I was drawn to MCFR because I have always looked up to firefighters and the way they hold themselves to a high standard,” he said. 
 
FF/EMT Alexander Rodriguez attended Miami Dade College, and credits his family as being his inspiration since his father is a firefighter and his mother is a high school teacher. “My love for firefighting and admiration for the Florida Keys made this position with MCFR the perfect fit,” he said. “I’m incredibly thrilled to join such a remarkable department and serve this amazing county alongside a team that values dedication, teamwork, and making a difference in the community.”
 
FF/EMT Henry Santana attended Barry University for his fire certification and is a dad to a 2-year-old girl. After completing his EMT certification and enrolling in paramedic school, he began searching for a department with the right feeling and waited for an opening at MCFR. “I’m excited to grow my skills in EMS and fire and be a part of the Monroe County community,” he said. “Being someone who enjoys the outdoors, I can’t think of a better place to work than the Florida Keys.”
 
FF/EMT Cole McDaniel was raised on Big Pine Key. He graduated from Marathon High School and College of the Florida Keys and went through the County’s “Hot Shots” program. “My grandfather was a volunteer firefighter on Big Pine over 50 years ago and fought the local famous Big Pine Inn fire,” he said. “Monroe County Fire Rescue has helped my family in times of need, and as a local, I wanted to give back to my community. I’m most excited about pursuing a lifelong career in helping others.”
 
FF/PM Rogelio Medina attended Miami Dade College for EMT, Paramedic, and Fire Academy. He comes from a family dedicated to helping others; his mother is a teacher, and his brother is a police officer. He previously worked for a department in North Florida and is excited to be closer to home. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and am ready to protect our community,” he said. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue graduated its seventh “Hot Shots” class on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Class 24-01 includes 21 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 Fire Chief R.L. 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 David Banegas, Michael Blanco, Jr., Jonathan Camps, Rocio Carnevale, Hunter Claflin, Kevin Cobas, Alexandre Cruz, Ethan Cunningham, Israel Duran, Richard Estevez, Mark Foreman, Allison Garcia, Juan Gonzalez, Mylan Henriquez, Hernan Marin, Tyler More, Mavrick Moreno, Victor Paneda, Tyler Rodriguez, Jaclynn Rojas, and Eric Sellers, Jr.
 
There are no new classes scheduled at the training academy at this time. More information about the “Hot Shots” program can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots or email [email protected].

TAVERNIER, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue, Monroe County Parks & Beaches, and Friends of Parks and Beaches invite the public to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and meet local firefighters on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. The first 100 children will receive a goodie bag, and there will also be candy canes and fire truck tours in addition to meeting with the “big guy” himself.

“We are excited to have Monroe County Fire Rescue bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to visit the fabulous Florida Keys for all of the local children to enjoy,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “This is a new tradition we started last year, and it was a wonderful, fun turnout for all who came to the park.”

Please bring your camera or cell phone if you want pictures. 

BIG PINE KEY, FL—Monroe County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the Tunnels to Towers Foundation for its first southernmost 5K event on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8:30 a.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive. The event will complement the 75 other races and tower climbs the nonprofit foundation hosts annually.
 
Tunnels to Towers Foundation has been supporting our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families since the tragic event of 9/11. The event will honor and celebrate Monroe County’s first responders—fire, police, EMTs, and paramedics—as well as military service heroes who serve, sacrifice, and protect Florida Keys community members every day.
 
“It is our honor to have Tunnels to Towers host an event within Monroe County,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “When our community was impacted and we lost one of our own, Tunnels to Towers was there to support our department and the family of fallen firefighter Herve Thomas.”
 
The foundation has provided 1,400 mortgage-free homes to fallen first responder families with young children to date.
 
To register for the 5K, donate, and volunteer, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/BigPineKey/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkBigPineKeyFL.
 
Registered walkers and runners will have the opportunity to create profile pages that feature their personal photos and individual stories. Additionally, participants can compete to raise funds and recruit friends to their team.   

BIG PINE KEY, FL—Monroe County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the Tunnels to Towers Foundation for its first southernmost 5K event on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8:30 a.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive. The event will complement the 75 other races and tower climbs the nonprofit foundation hosts annually.
 
Tunnels to Towers Foundation has been supporting our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families since the tragic event of 9/11. The event will honor and celebrate Monroe County’s first responders—fire, police, EMTs, and paramedics—as well as military service heroes who serve, sacrifice, and protect Florida Keys community members every day.
 
“It is our honor to have Tunnels to Towers host an event within Monroe County,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “When our community was impacted and we lost one of our own, Tunnels to Towers was there to support our department and the family of fallen firefighter Herve Thomas.”
 
The foundation has provided 1,400 mortgage-free homes to fallen first responder families with young children to date, including one to Thomas’ family after he died while on duty in 2021.
 
To register for the 5K, donate, and volunteer, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/BigPineKey/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkBigPineKeyFL.
 
Registered walkers and runners will have the opportunity to create profile pages that feature their personal photos and individual stories. Additionally, participants can compete to raise funds and recruit friends to their team.   

MONROE COUNTY, FL—The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief Jim Callahan swear 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.
 
Please welcome:
 
Joseph Cardozo, Firefighter/EMT, was born and raised in Miami and received his fire certification from Broward Fire Academy and his EMT certification from Miami Dade College Homestead Campus. Cardozo became a firefighter because he wanted a rewarding career that would make a meaningful impact on the community. Now, working for MCFR, he is excited to learn new things and become the best firefighter he can be.
 
Leo Garcia, Firefighter/EMT, lives in Key Largo and attended Southwest Miami Senior High School. He received his fire and EMT certification from Miami-Dade College. He was inspired to become a firefighter by a close family friend, who was a firefighter for Miami Dade. Now that he has been hired by MCFR, he is most excited to be able to make help in the community he serves.
 
Jose Sanchis, Firefighter/PM, was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, where he attended John A. Ferguson Senior High School. He received his paramedic and fire certification and an Associate's degree in EMS from Miami Dade College. His interest in the medical field started while enrolled in his high school first responders class. He was intrigued by his teacher, a retired Hialeah firefighter, who always spoke highly about the fire service and told exciting stories. "I am most excited about getting to know my crew members and serving the community to the best of my ability," he said.
 
William Whalen, Firefighter/EMT, lives in Islamorada and attended Coral Reef Senior High. He received his fire certification from Miami Dade Fire Academy and EMT certification from Urgent Response Training Institute. His passion for the fire service came from listening to his great-grandfather, a firefighter, tell stories about his career. Now that MCFR has hired him, he is most excited to grow as a firefighter by learning and training daily. "I am looking forward to joining the MCFR family and the camaraderie," he said.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),  the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke Alarms, Make them work for you.” The campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
 
Despite Hurricane Milton, Monroe County Fire Rescue conducted outreach programs for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, in four schools and daycares in Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction and have rescheduled four other schools due to weather-related closures. The firefighters teach children about fire prevention and safety tips, give them tours of the firetrucks, and introduce them to a fan-favorite, Sparky the Fire Dog.
 
“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Monroe County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and how to act on them.”
 
According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
 
Key Safety Tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

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

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Sept. 11 marks the 23rd 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.
 
“Many of us think about the tragedy and where we were when the planes hit the World Trade Center. I think about the event year-long,” said Monroe County Fire Chief Jim Callahan. “Please let us never forget.”
 
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-mast.
• 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 10 – Sugarloaf, 17175 Overseas Highway, MM 17
• Station 11 – Cudjoe, 22352 Overseas Highway, MM 20
• 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

​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].