MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE WELCOMES 11 NEW FIREFIGHTERS; THREE ARE ‘HOT SHOTS’ GRADUATES

​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.