COMMUNITY NEWS
Climbing the Ladder of Success – New Sunrise Fire Chief Appointed BY BEVERLY PERKINS
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or two decades John K. McNamara has been with Sunrise Fire-Rescue. In 1997 he began his career as a firefighter/paramedic. He quickly rose through the ranks as a rescue supervisor, Lieutenant, and Captain before being named Deputy Fire Chief of Operations in 2014. Last June he was appointed Acting Chief upon the retirement of former Fire Chief Thomas DiBernardo. Most recently McNamara was appointed as the City’s new Fire Chief by City Manager Richard Salamon. On November 3rd, he was sworn in as Fire Chief by Sunrise Mayor Michael J. Ryan. His appointment to Fire Chief marks the third such internal promotion in Sunrise Fire-Rescue’s 40-plus year history. “Chief McNamara has demonstrated tremendous leadership throughout his Sunrise Fire-Rescue career,” said City Manager Salamon. “He is well respected among
his peers in the Department, and in the first responder community at large. With Chief McNamara at the helm, I am confident that Sunrise Fire-Rescue will continue to provide an outstanding level of service to the residents and visitors of our City.” Chief McNamara has been a Sunrise resident since 1981 when he first moved to the City of Sunrise with his parents in 1981. He and AnnMarie, his wife of 20 years, love the City so much that they choose to also love and raise their two children, Kayla and Patrick, here. “I am extremely humbled by the opportunity to represent the City of Sunrise Fire-Rescue Department, said Chief McNamara. “I look forward to continuing the strong relationship we have, and the service delivery we provide to residents,
business owners, and visitors of our city.” Chief McNamara earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University. He is also a graduate of the Emergency Services Leadership Institute program, and has completed professional-level coursework through the National Fire Academy. Chief McNamara is a steadfast champion for his brothers and sisters in the Fire Service. In addition, he has worked to help shape and improve the fire suppression and emergency medical service delivery system, both in Sunrise and throughout Broward County. For more information on Sunrise-FireRescue, please visit www. sunrisefl.gov/Fire, and follow @SunriseFRD on Facebook and Twitter.
Flu season is here. Fortunately, we have flu shots. Urgent Care The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu shot. And now you can get yours at a local Broward Health Urgent Care. The flu refers to common strains of viruses that go around each year, mainly in the fall and winter. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, bodyaches, headache, chills and fatigue. People at high risk include young children, pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and anyone aged 65 and older.
20 JANUARY 2018 | OURCITYPLANTATION.COM
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BROWARD HEALTH WESTON 2300 N. Commerce Parkway, Weston 954.217.5700 For more information visit BrowardHealth.org/UrgentCare or call one of our three locations to assist you. Walk-ins welcome.