RETIREMENTS, PROMOTIONS AND DEPARTMENT NEWS

In February 2021, Fire Equipment Technician John Ramos retired after 30 years of service to the department.

John served his 30 years with integrity and commitment and the department was fortunate to have him. He will always be a part of our family and we wish him a long and healthy retirement.

In September 2021, Captain Kevin Sullivan retired after 21 years of service. Captain Sullivan served the community out of Station 71 and was also the Lead Instructor for the Paramedic Program at the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety. Following his passion for teaching, Kevin retired to take a position as Division Chief of Training for a neighboring department. We wish him well and know he will be successful in his new role!

Retirements, while bittersweet, make room for new opportunities for other personnel. In FY2021, we promoted the following individuals:

Anthony Gonzalez > Battalion Chief, Training Division

Jonathan Robbins > Captain

Juan Garcia > Lieutenant

Robert Thomas > Driver Engineer

Hayden Buckner > Lieutenant

Alexander del Castillo > Lieutenant

Ryan Reinert > Captain

Chris Bator > Division Chief, Safety, Health, and Wellness

Alex del Castillo and Ryan Reinert being sworn in as Lieutenant and Captain

Left, Deputy Fire Chief John Whalen stands with Lt. Hayden Buckner as he proudly shows his new helmet shield.

Below, Chris Bator is sworn in by Fire Chief Michael McNally as Division Chief of Safety, Health and Wellness. Looking on are Retired Assistant Fire Chief Steve Frey, City Manager and former Fire Chief Frank Babinec, and Deputy Fire Chief John Whalen. Above right, Chief Bator signs his oath.

Above, the city commission, our city manager, and city attorney help us welcome two new rescues to our fleet with a traditional “wet down” ceremony in front of City Hall. Below, ground is broken at the site of the future Public Safety and Public Works Campus west of Coral Ridge Drive. The Fire Department plans to move to its new location in Spring 2022.