MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE WELCOMES EIGHT NEW FIREFIGHTER/EMTs

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Monroe County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Jim Callahan welcomed eight new firefighter/EMTs to Monroe County Fire Rescue in a pinning ceremony at the October BOCC meeting.

Welcome to the newest Monroe County firefighter/EMTs:

Roberto Costa, of Miami, graduated from the Hot Shots Program, Class 22-01. His parents are both in the EMS field, which inspired him to be a firefighter. He believes his eagerness to help others has led him to the fire service.

Jordan Dewhirst, of Fort White, Florida, attended Jacksonville University, where he received a Bachelor’s in Sports Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. He moved to Marathon seven years ago and graduated from the County’s Hot Shots Program, Class 21-01. “I have been a part of a team for most of my life and was attracted to the idea of giving back and being a part of something larger than me with people who will become my second family,” he said.

Jordan Duran, of Miami, graduated from the Hot Shots Program, Class 22-01. He says his uncle, MCFR Lieutenant Fernando Duran, inspired him to become a firefighter. “I am very excited to build my career in the fire service and to be able to help the Florida Keys community because the Keys is always a place that I’ve always considered my home,” he said.

Samuel Gonzalez, of Havana, Cuba and Naples, Florida, received an automotive certification from Lorenzo Walkers Institute of Technology and graduated from the Hots Shots Program, Class 22-01, where he was selected as the Class Leader. He was driven to pursue a meaningful career, and being a firefighter/EMT aligned perfectly with his aspirations and skills.

Nicholas Miller, of Miami, obtained his fire and EMT certifications from Miami Dade College and is currently continuing his education at Miami Dade College. He said he plans to dedicate the rest of his life to firefighting and looks forward to mentoring others along the way.

Alberto Turner, of Miami, completed the fire rescue minimum standards at Miami Dade College. As a child, he watched his uncle, a firefighter in Miami Dade, save someone’s life right before him. After that moment, he knew he wanted to serve the community and help people. “I love the Florida Keys and to be able to give back to the community while working in my dream career,” he said.

Alejandro Vazquez, of Miami, received his fire certification from Miami Dade College and has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Florida International University. He has always wanted to be a firefighter and said, “I am excited to begin my career as a professional firefighter and serve the Florida Keys community to the best of my ability and with the utmost professionalism.”

Colloggero Vignati, of Coral Gables, is a U.S. Army Veteran who graduated from the Miami Dade College Fire Academy. His time in the military solidified his sense of serving people and the community. He wants to help people who cannot help themselves and be there for them in their time of need. “I am especially excited to become a Paramedic and be able to become an asset for MCFR,” he said.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]