The men and women in the pages here are the first responders, the backbone of our community. They are police officers, firefighters, EMTs and sheriff’s deputies. Many of them chose law enforcement after serving in the military, having been inspired to serve their country and then their communities by the events of Sept. 11, 2021.
As the nation pauses to remember the events of that fateful Tuesday 25 years ago, the Keys Weekly is proud to honor and thank the men and women who protect us every day.
Matt Schilling, Key West firefighter/EMT
Years in the Keys: 12
Years of service: 20½ years of public service in the military, wildland fire service, private tree service, public service and now, the Key West Fire Department.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did it influence your career and/or life? I was in Marine Corps boot camp. Training became reality overnight and things got real. September 11, 2001 changed the course of our nation and the lives of an entire generation of our best young men. We sacrificed our own peace and well-being to ensure our enemies would think twice about killing our people and disrupting our way of life. I was fortunate to survive with my limbs and soul intact. Many of my friends and brothers are now ghosts of their former selves and/or are missing limbs, full of shrapnel and permanently altered. They would look at my life in service now and approve. They would do the same if they could.
The people of Key West understood this when I came here in 2014. People like Rich Welter and Dan Acevedo gave me work and housing, a purpose, and assurance that I still had something to offer. My wife, Julie, nursed my broken spirit. The people of Key West embraced a man who needed it. That is why I will gladly run into a burning building, or respond to a zero-dark-thirty 911 call, without hesitation for them.
Remembering 9/11 isn’t about me. It’s about the 2,977 citizens and 343 FDNY firefighters who died at ground zero. It’s about the 7,073 U.S. service members who died during the ensuing Global War on Terror and the “22 per day” who have died since coming home. It’s not about me, but it is also about the people of Key West, who welcomed me when I came back. People always say, “Never forget 9/11.” Key West didn’t forget. That’s why I gladly serve here now and will continue to do so as long as I’m able.
Captain David Smith, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Lower Keys & Key West
Hometown: Key West
Years in service: 20 years in law enforcement (since 2005), plus 6 years in the U.S. Air Force. What led you to choose your career? Service is a long-standing tradition in my family. My grandfather served in the United States Navy and later worked for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as a pilot. After completing six years in the U.S. Air Force — including deployment to Iraq and supporting Army ground operations — I received my honorable discharge in 2005 and attended the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. That path felt natural because it allowed me to continue serving my community and carry forward the legacy of service that shaped my life
What’s the best part of the job? For me, the greatest part of the job is being able to make a tangible impact on the community I grew up in. As captain, I work closely with residents, organizations and agency members to address concerns, mentor youth and support families.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? On 9/11, I was in boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, marching on the parade grounds. The sirens went off and we were rushed back into the dorms. Our drill instructors turned on the TV, and I watched the second plane hit and the towers fall.
In that moment, everything changed for me. Before that day, my reason for joining the military was mainly to get my college paid for. But as I stood there watching the attacks unfold, my purpose shifted to something bigger — I wanted to fight for my country. That was the moment I became a patriot, and it set the tone for the rest of my career.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder: I would tell anyone interested in becoming a first responder that this is a calling rooted in service, humility and commitment. You must be ready to serve your community with integrity and compassion. Take every opportunity to train and learn — your skills and preparedness can save lives. Embrace the challenges, because they will shape you; embrace the people, because they will rely on you; and embrace the purpose, because this career allows you to make a real difference every single day.
Chief Sean Brandenburg, Key West Police
Hometown: North Manchester, Indiana
Years in the Keys: 24
Years of service: Police officer since 1990. First 12 years were in Indiana, 24 years with KWPD.
What’s the best part of the job? One of the most rewarding parts of serving as chief of police is having the opportunity to interact with both the dedicated law enforcement professionals of the Key West Police Department and the community we serve.
I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Key West Police Department and the professionalism, dedication and commitment they demonstrate every day. Their work often takes place behind the scenes and under challenging circumstances, but their commitment to protecting and serving our community never wavers.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was getting ready to leave for my second job and had the television on. The first plane had already struck the World Trade Center, and I remember watching the coverage live when the second plane hit the second tower.
While at my second job, I took a break and went into the police station. I remember standing there with others, watching the television as one of the towers collapsed. It is one of those moments that remains with you.
At the time, I worked in an area that was in the flight path of a major airport and in close proximity to an Air Force base. One of my strongest memories from the days that followed was how unusually quiet the skies became. Working the night shift at the police department, I was accustomed to seeing and hearing aircraft regularly. Suddenly, there were none. Occasionally, fighter jets would pass overhead, but otherwise there was just silence. That absence of normal air traffic was both strange and sobering.
It reaffirmed my commitment to a life in law enforcement and public service. I was already proud to be a police officer, but seeing the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by first responders that day was a powerful reminder of what it means to choose this profession. It reinforced for me that law enforcement is more than a career; it is a commitment to serve others, particularly during the moments when they need us most.
Detective Alex Fierro, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Hometown: Los Angeles.
Years in the Keys: 27
Years of service: 4
What led you to choose your career? I wanted to protect the place that I grew up in and make it safer for others.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was in fifth grade at Gerald Adams Elementary School. Although I was young, the events of that day had a lasting impact on me. I learned that even a nation as great and powerful as the United States is not invulnerable and that the freedoms and security we enjoy require people willing to protect them. It helped instill in me a sense of duty and service that would later influence my decision to serve in the United States Marine Corps and eventually pursue a career in law enforcement. Someone has to be willing to stand up and protect this country and our communities, and if not you, then who?
Deputy Roy Owens, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 road patrol
Hometown: Syracuse, New York.
Years in the Keys: Stationed in KW 2002-2005, returned following retirement from U.S. Navy in 2017 and have remained since.
Years of service: 3½ years with MCSO.
What led you to choose your career? I have served in some capacity since 1997 when I joined the U.S Navy. During active duty, I served as a naval base patrolman, anti-terrorism training officer and gate and security patrol. Choosing to serve again has been a calling.
What’s the best part of the job? Having the ability to offer calmness during crisis, protection and real solutions when citizens feel most vulnerable.
Where were you on 9/11, how did that influence your career or life? I was driving in to work at NAS Jacksonville, where I was stationed with Anti-Submarine Squadron 30. I heard on the radio the first plane struck, then the second. At work, my commander was giving a speech to officers and enlisted saying we were attacked and were now preparing to deploy.
Commander Mark Sellers, firefighter/EMT, Key West Fire Department
Hometown: Key West.
Number of years with the KWFD? 40.
What led to your career with KWFD? My family member, Dickie Wardlow, told me to try it. I started right after high school.
What’s the best part of the job? The brotherhood and being able to help people.
Detective Sgt. Jesse Hammers, Key West Police Department, Criminal Investigations Unit
Hometown: Key West
Years in the Keys: 35+
Years of service: 12
What led to a career with KWPD? My father is a retired law enforcement officer from Key West, but I never intended to be a cop. I studied musical performance/acting, then changed to political science, eventually joined the U.S. military, then landed back home to serve the community with the Key West Police Department.
What’s the best part of the job? The reward gained from service is like nothing else. From helping victims and survivors of the most horrendous crimes, to simply helping an elderly couple remember where they parked their car, being able to help others is the greatest compensation for this line of work.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was in Mrs. Cameron’s fifth grade class at Poinciana Elementary. I remember the teachers’ concern turning into great fear and sadness when the second plane crashed into the second tower. I remember the tears on Mrs. Cameron’s face as she tried to explain that we were all being released early to be with our families because something bad had occurred. 9/11 forever influenced my life. I remember the feelings of anger, sadness, fear, patriotism, unity and love.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder?
First responders see some of the worst parts of humanity, but there is so much good in this work. There is a great feeling of comradery, high-adrenaline moments, and significant events that make me forever grateful to live in this country and serve our community.
Officer William Howell, Key West Police Department
Hometown: Cochran, Georgia.
Years in the Keys: 9.
Years with KWPD? 7.
What led to a career with Key West Police Department? I moved to the Florida Keys
immediately after Hurricane Irma to help rebuild. Arriving just days after the storm devastated entire neighborhoods, I saw firsthand the resolve and character of the people who call the Keys home. Over the following months, I helped rebuild homes from Key Largo to Key West. That experience and the community I found here led me to stay. As the Keys recovered, that same sense of purpose stayed with me. With the “gentle encouragement” of my wife, a desire to give back to the community that had welcomed me grew into a decision to ultimately join the police department. It was a natural extension of the work I had already been doing: showing up, helping neighbors, and commitment to the safety of the place my family and I now call home.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was a junior in high school, sitting in my 11th grade economics class when the unforgettable events unfolded before us on television and computer screens. Observing what occurred that day was a shock that cut through any abstract ideas I had about service and duty. It did not create my interest in the military so much as solidify it. I knew then that I wanted to act rather than wait. Within weeks I convinced my parents to sign the paperwork that allowed me to enlist at 17, immediately after completing high school.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? The badge does not change you, it amplifies who you already are. This job demands a service mindset, because you will meet people on the worst days of their lives, and they will look to you for stability.
Emotional resilience is paramount. You will see trauma, conflict and human suffering daily. If
you do not learn to process it in a healthy way, it will follow you home.
You must embrace accountability. Every decision you make will be scrutinized, and you need to
stand behind each one with integrity and truthfulness.
Communication is key. Ninety percent of this job is talking people down, not taking them down
and/or knocking them out. Your words will be your strongest tool.
Sgt. Carter Sims, Key West Police Department, Road Patrol
Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia. (“God’s country.”)
Years in the Keys: 30 years in Key West, three in high school and 27 with KWPD
Years of service: Sept. 17 will be 27 years
What led to a career with KWPD? In high school, I joined the Police Explorers, which was the catalyst for my becoming a police officer after attending college.
What’s the best part of the job? Every day it is different. The job is what you make of it. It’s both rewarding and difficult. There is no such thing as a “routine” day or call.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was home on my day off. I remember getting a phone call from a relative asking if I was watching the news. I was not. So I turned on the TV and watched in disbelief as the Twin Towers fell. I was early in my career as a police officer. The events on 9/11 definitely opened my eyes and prompted me to be more vigilant in my day-to-day activities. Police officers and the public wondered, “What will happen if the Keys are attacked? What happens if ‘they’ take out a bridge or several bridges?” There was a feeling of dread and unease.
Officer Russell J. Holmes, Key West Police Department
Hometown: Long Island, New York.
Years in the Keys: 2-1/2.
What led to a career with KWPD? I have always had the desire to help others. I thrive and can remain calm in chaos. I had visited Key West about eight years ago and met the woman who would become my wife, Laura. We had our daughter Josephine in 2023 and I wanted her to be raised near her grandparents, Rob and Maria Sharpe, so we relocated to Key West from Texas. I ran into the chief at an event and we discussed how the department was hiring. I started the police academy about two weeks later.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was at work on Long Island, about 20 miles from the Twin Towers when I heard the report of the first plane and then the second. … Quickly we realized it was a terrorist attack and looked for ways to help. I later learned two good friends from high school had been lost in the towers.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Get ready for one of the greatest rides of your life. The greatest gift I get is knowing at the end of the day I am there for those who need me and doing my part to make the world a better place for my family. It’s the most rewarding job.
Mike Shouldice, Key West Police Department quartermaster & retired police officer
Hometown: Buffalo, New York.
Years in the Keys: 21.
Years of service: 20.
What led to your career with KWPD? I wanted the chance to serve my community.
What’s the best part of the job? Camaraderie.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was on my way to community college the morning of the attack. It made me decide to go back into the Army.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? You are not just enforcing laws; you are part of the community you serve. Building trust off duty matters as much as the work you do on duty.
Dave Black, Key West Police Department retired officer and current reserve officer
Hometown: West Palm Beach.
Years in the Keys: 32.
Years of service: 28.
What led to a career with the police department? Transferring out of the military, I wanted to serve my community.
What’s the best part of the job? Having a positive influence on my community.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was in bed after working a night shift with KWPD. Officer Beerbower called me at home and said, “We are under attack.” So I got up and came into work.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Treat everyone the way you would want your family treated.
Molly Sawyer, executive administrator, Key West Fire Department
Hometown: Chicago.
Years in the Keys: 27.
What’s the best part of your job? To be in a position to support an amazing group of human beings.
Where were you on 9/11, how did that influence your career or life? I was in my office at the fire department. We all watched those horrible events unfold. Seeing the firefighters run into the World Trade Center to rescue others while risking their lives gave me a deep respect for what first responders do.
Captain Tyrone Cervantes, Key West Fire Department
Hometown: Key West.
Years of service: 28.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was mopping my bedroom at the fire department and had the TV on. I saw a plane crash into the building and ran into the living room to tell everyone to turn on the TV. I was three years on the job and it taught me to never take anything for granted, because at any point, it can all be over.
Riley Barber, Paramedic/Firefighter with Key West Fire Department
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Years in the Keys: 12.
Years with the KWFD? 11.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was in high school, and that day is what prompted me to join the military.
Brandon Kocis, Key West Fire Department, driver/paramedic/engineer
Hometown: San Diego, California.
Years in the Keys: 34.
Years with KWFD? 17.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was in high school in Key West, and that day is when I decided I wanted to be a firefighter.
Deputy Brandon Rogers, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Hometown: San Diego, California.
Number of years in the Keys: 11.
Years of service: 6 years in the U.S. Navy, 5 years with MCSO.
What led you to choose your career? I joined the United States Navy to serve my country and challenge myself. After six years as a parachute rigger, traveling and building lifelong friendships, transitioning into law enforcement felt like a natural way to continue serving and make a meaningful impact in my community.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that influence your career or life? I was in school in Southern California and like so many, I watched our country come together. The courage and selflessness I saw that day reinforced my desire to serve.
Deputy Arthur Armstead, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Hometown: Ridgeland, South Carolina.
Years in the Keys: 2.
Years of service: 26.
What led you to.choose your career? I started volunteering as a firefighter in 1996 when I was 15. My family has always served our country and community, so I started young and felt a calling to do so. In 1999 I started full-time as a paid firefighter in Bluffton, South Carolina. I changed careers to law enforcement in 2003 and joined the North Charleston Police Department. In 2010, I joined the Army Reserves to do my part. I finished my contractual agreement in 2019. I eventually moved back home to help take care of my parents and retired from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 with 25 years of service. I moved to the Keys and still wanted to give to the community and met Sheriff Rick Ramsey. I felt the calling to continue as a law enforcement professional and started with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in January 2025.
Where were you on 9/11, how did that influence your career or life? I was working with the fire department in South Carolina and watched as the events unfolded in New York. It made me continue what I was doing in my life at that time with the fire service. It eventually made me want to serve at a higher level and prompted me to join the Army.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? This job will bring you enjoyment and pain, but the good outways the bad.
