MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PRESENTS FIRST S.A.F.E.R. AWARD TO BIG PINE KEY RESIDENT & TOWBOAT U.S. OWNER KEVIN FREESTONE

Freestone with Chief Callahan, Deputy Chief RL Colina, and the Board of County Commissioners.

MONROE COUNTY, FL— The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) recognized Capt. Kevin Freestone of TowBoat U.S. today for his rapid, selfless actions and assistance following a boating accident on July 8, 2024, at approximately 2 a.m. and for his dedicated actions helping with water response over the years. Freestone was presented with MCFR’s first Selfless Actions For Emergency Responses S.A.F.E.R. award, and his name will be listed on a plaque at fire rescue headquarters.

In July, MCFR was alerted to respond to a boating incident near the South Channel Bridge on Big Pine Key. Upon arrival, firefighters found a boat with eight people on board, including children, that had struck the bridge and was still in the water. The crew secured the boat to the bridge; however, it was sinking. Firefighters used a 14-foot ladder to board the vessel and evacuated the five patients who could walk.

Due to the need for waterborne transport, Freestone was notified and immediately responded by boat. He transported the three seriously injured patients from the boat to a nearby marina, where MCFR personnel were staged. Trauma Star and Air Rescue South transported these seriously injured patients to a specialty medical center on the mainland.

As a result of Freestone’s rapid response, knowledge of the waters, and act of selflessness, MCFR was able to transport these patients effectively,” said Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Callahan. “Freestone has assisted others in the past by responding to multiple incidents and continues to help and protect the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. He exemplifies what this award means.”

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