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Waterous
MICHAEL KANE, BATTALION CHIEF/PIO Driver Engineer Gabriel Castillo receives his brass by Fire Chief Gregory Holness.
BSFR Promotes 17
Fort Lauderdale, FL - On January 12th and 13th 2021, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services promoted 17 personnel to various ranks as the agency continues to grow in size while remaining to combat attrition of retiring employees. Fire Chief Gregory Holness awarded each individual their new brass ensemble and provided each with a personalized inspirational speech.
Of the 17, three noteworthy promotions included Driver Engineer Garth Bonner and Driver Engineer Gabriel Castillo, each promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Both employees were part of a recent merger with the City of Hallandale Beach which was completed on January 4th, 2020. They are the first former Hallandale Beach employees to be promoted since the completion of the merger.
The third noteworthy promotion is that of Driver Engineer Michael Korte, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Michael has served BSFR is many capacities. At 14 years of age, Michael was a member of the very first BSFR Explorer class in 2000. Then as a professional firefighter, Michael became a fire inspector before being promoted to Driver Engineer in 2000. Michael’s inspiration came from his father, Battalion Chief Richard Korte who was an active duty member of the agency until his passing in 1999.
Promoted personnel include:
-Captain Bruce Young promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief -Lieutenant Jose Perez promoted to the rank of Captain
-Driver Engineer Gabriel Castillo promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer John Muilman promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Firefighter Carlos Berreras promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Firefighter Robert Johnson III promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer Raymond Aguillera promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer Ryan O’ Malley promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer Michael Korte promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer Daniel Snyder promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer Carlos De La O promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Driver Engineer Garth Bonner promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Firefighter Randy Chidester promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -Firefighter Kelli Owens promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer -Firefighter Jonathan Adams promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer -Firefighter Justin Hunter promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer -Firefighter Danny Joseph promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer
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ST. AUGUSTINE FIRE DEPARTMENT Working Residential Structure
Fire in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL - Crews from the St. Augustine Fire Department and St. Johns County Fire Rescue responded to a residential fire early on the morning of December 9th, 2020. Crews were on scene within six minutes and found heavy fire conditions upon arrival. Crews made an aggressive interior fire attack while also performing searches. Primary and secondary searches were both negative. All occupants were out of the home and evaluated, but no injuries were reported. Pictured is E-42 stretching the initial attack line.
Bob Long
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Receives Award of Excellence
St. Petersburg, FL - We are proud to announce that the Florida Fire Chief’s Association has awarded St. Petersburg Fire Rescue with the Safety, Health and Wellness Award of Excellence!
This award is presented to an individual, department, or agency within the state of Florida who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Safety, Health and Wellness within the fire, rescue, and/or EMS service through Firefighter Safety, Cancer Prevention, Health & Fitness, and Mental Wellness. This is an amazing accomplishment and certainly confirms the department’s commitment to safety and wellness!
Congratulations to each member of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue for your crucial role in achieving this award, and for your continued commitment to serve the community and each other!
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- LT. STEVEN LAWRENCE
FUTURE 1st RESPONDERS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future First Responders” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FF JIM ROBERTS / MOUNT PLEASANT VFD
On Christmas Day, Mount Pleasant Firefighter Jim Roberts (PaPa) had the pleasure of taking his grandson, Noah, who was visiting from Central Florida, to the Mount Pleasant Fire Station for a tour and a first time ride in an actual fire engine, instead of playing with the other cool fire department toys that PaPa gives him.
Vehicle News
The Melrose Fire Department recently placed into service a 1998 Pierce Saber as Engine 242. This engine was donated by Plant City Fire Rescue, where it formerly served as Engine 3. This engine has a 1500-GPM Waterous pump, a 750-gallon water tank, three mid ship pre-connected attack lines and a Night Scan light tower. Before being placed into service the overhead light bar was replaced with an LED style light bar and additional led scene lights were installed, along with updated graphics and reflective chevrons added to the rear.
Plant City Fire Rescue handing over the title.
CHRIS DILLEY
