MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE WELCOMES FOUR NEW FIREFIGHTERS

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.