MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE WELCOMES NINE NEW FIREFIGHTERS; FOUR ARE LOCAL FIRE ACADEMY GRADUATES

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.”