Two members of the Islamorada Fire Rescue who served since the beginning are headed to retirement in the next few months. During a recent village council meeting, Capts. Robert Burley and Walter Mason were recognized for their many years serving the village and its residents.
Burley was one of 12 original firefighters hired in the village in 1999. He came to the village with over a decade of experience, which included working in public safety at Ocean Reef and the Tavernier Fire Department.
In addition to his duties with Islamorada Fire Rescue, Burley served as emergency vehicle technician for over 20 years and ensured the fleet of apparatus was ready to respond.
Burley earned a paramedic certificate in 2006. As the department grew, he rose to lieutenant and then to captain as he served as shift A supervisor for more than two years.
“He’s regarded as one of the finest tactical experts in the fire service, and his knowledge of incident command and apparatus operation is unparalleled,” said Mayor Buddy Pinder, who led the recognition during the meeting.
Mason began his career as a volunteer with the village fire department in September 1994. Already an established charter boat captain, he continued volunteering for the next 10 years until opting to become a full-time firefighter and EMT in 2004. He earned his paramedic certification in 2012 and received a promotion to captain of prevention in 2013.
Mason performed fire inspections of commercial structures and vacation rentals in the village. He was instrumental in growing the prevention division and ensuring business owners and guests of the village operated and enjoyed a stay in a safe structure.
A mentor to new firefighters, Mason shared his knowledge and life experiences so others could learn. Pinder said he had a “larger than life” personality.”
“I hit the fire academy at the age of 47. It was the hardest thing I ever did but I was blessed to do it,” Mason said.
In addition to the retirements, the village recognized Geo Toth, shift captain, for reaching 20 years of service within the fire department.
The Islamorada Fire Rescue Department is a combination career and volunteer organization operating from three fire stations; Station No. 19 on Lower Matecumbe, Station No. 20 on Upper Matecumbe and Station No. 21 on Plantation Key.
