No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Charlie Mather, a firefighter since 1988, first as a volunteer with Tavernier Fire, then for the City of Hialeah where he worked for 20 years before joining Monroe County Fire Rescue. After more than 12 years, he tried to retire. That lasted briefly before he joined Islamorada Fire Rescue. He is the assistant fire chief, second in command to Chief Terry Abel. He is also a long-time officiator at high school sports.
How long have you lived in the Keys? I moved to the Keys in 1982, attending Coral Shores High School for my last year and a half.
What drew you to the Keys? My dad’s employment. For me, the salt air is equivalent to our body fluids. I need it to exist.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? Being affiliated with fire services I’ve seen many weird scenes. One of the worst was a pedestrian fatality caused by a semi-tractor truck.
What do you enjoy most about your work? I know it sounds cliche but it’s being able to try to change the outcome of people’s day. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? A good friend. After I returned home following my service in the U.S. Navy, a friend asked me to attend meetings at the Tavernier station. I had exposure to fire service in the military and it was an easy transition.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My family. Although the relationships were sometimes tumultuous, and would like to go back and have those conversations we avoided. Also, Benjamin Franklin. He was the founder of the insurance industry and fire service.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? I do have a superpower. I just wear my cape on the inside under my fire gear. I would like the ability to fly without the need for aviation.
Favorite Food? I’m an Italian food buff.
Favorite movie? I love “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” especially Sean Penn’s character Jeff Spicoli. When I was in the service in Virginia, I loved to surf and the guys told me I looked like Penn and began calling me Spicoli.
Favorite book? “Last Man Down: A Firefighter’s Story of Survival and Escape from the World Trade Center”
What are your hobbies? Anything marine-related, boating and fishing. Any outdoor activity in the woods.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? My communication skills. I know what I mean to say, but it doesn’t always come out that way.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? My son and daughter. Robert is a civil engineer now working in Marathon. Stephanie is a nurse, a great mom to three and also has a personal training studio in Islamorada.
Do you have any regrets? Not taking in more of all that is available across this country and the world.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? This goes back to the skill I would like to improve. The delivery of my message doesn’t come across all generations the same. Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email jim@keysweekly.com.
