On July 28, the city of Marathon announced Lt. Shana J. Rogers as its new Fire Rescue chief.
Rogers, who has been with Fire Rescue for more than 21 years, becomes the first female fire chief in Marathon and the Keys. She joins a growing list of women throughout the state and the nation taking over the role, according to the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.
“One of the greatest advantages of being promoted from within is the opportunity to build on relationships that have already been established,” Rogers said. “We know one another’s strengths, we’ve faced challenges together and we’ve earned each other’s trust. That foundation creates continuity, strengthens teamwork and allows us to focus on moving the department forward from day one.”
Rogers has served as Marathon’s interim fire chief since the termination of then-Fire Chief James Muro in April.
She shares the credit for her promotion with those she has worked with during the past two decades.
“I also have the honor and privilege of serving an organization that provides an extraordinary level of fire and emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of Marathon,” said Rogers. “I am fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of dedicated professionals whose commitment to excellence is evident every day.
“With the continued support of our city leadership and staff, I believe we are well-positioned to continue strengthening our organization and the exceptional service we provide.”
In taking the position, Rogers is focusing on the continued advancement of the department and its employees to the benefit of the Marathon community.
“I’d like to continue the forward movement of the department — ensuring we are always up-to-date with the latest skills and technology and that we are trained to exceed the expectations of our community and those who rely on us when they are in need,” Rogers said. “I am also grateful for the increasing recognition of the impact this profession can have on the mental well-being of firefighters. I intend to support the use of every available resource, including those provided through our department, to help ensure our personnel are well cared for and that they continue to look after one another, both on and off duty.”
Rogers received a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in social work with a focus on mental health from Barry University.
She had planned a career in medicine but discovered the fire service through friends, she said. In it, she found her calling.
“It combines the opportunity to help people with a profession that is dynamic, challenging, and is never the same from one day to the next,” Rogers said. “The teamwork and problem-solving, along with the excitement and adrenaline that come with the job, made it clear to me that Fire Rescue was exactly where I belonged.”
Rogers said one of the biggest challenges her department faces is staffing.
“There’s no easy solution,” she said. “I do, however, understand the importance of balancing the needs of the department alongside an understanding of city priorities and resource constraints. This delicate balance is required to ensure we approach each challenge responsibly without losing momentum. Maintaining open lines of communication with our personnel, the City Council, and the wider Marathon community is one of the best ways I know how to work through these types of challenges.”
