Monroe County Fire Rescue, Chief R.L. Colina and Mayor Michelle Lincoln welcomed 19 new firefighters during a pinning ceremony, held Sept. 3 at the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center. Family and friends of the newly pinned firefighters also attended.
The ceremony marked an important milestone for the newest members of Monroe County Fire Rescue as they begin their careers dedicated to protecting the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. Some of the new firefighters start their first shift on Friday.
New firefighters/EMTs are Blake Angulo, Inkhnaton Brown, Luis Cordova, Darryl Cozier, Emmanuel Fernandez, Mark Forman, Andrew Gallo, Mylan Henriquez, Nicholas Jimenez, Lucas Lezcano, Cristobal Martinez, Domenic Mata, Michael Rilo, Tyler Rodriguez, Sean Salazar, Giovanni Santiago, Brandon Shuman, George Sigler and Timothy Sotomayor.
The pinning ceremony recognizes the dedication, training and commitment required to serve as a member of Monroe County Fire Rescue. These new firefighters and emergency medical professionals will join the department in providing fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue services and emergency response throughout Monroe County.
“Today represents more than receiving a badge and a pin,” said Colina. “It represents a commitment to serve our community, to be there for people during some of their most difficult moments, and to uphold the high standards expected of Monroe County Fire Rescue.”
