When a first responder answers a 911 call, there’s no telling where it will lead or what the day will require of them. But whether it’s a simple trip and fall, a speeding car on the highway or a burning building at risk of collapse, the men and women of every Keys agency run toward an emergency, no questions asked, even if others are running away.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of one of the United States’ greatest tragedies on Sept. 11, 2001, the Keys Weekly is proud to honor those who embody the same ideals as more than 400 first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day in New York City.
The heroes of 9/11 are by no means limited to police, fire rescue and EMS professionals, but they all share a trait: an unquestioned commitment to serve others, no matter the circumstances or the cost.
We salute all the members of our military, law enforcement and rescue agencies who keep us safe and save so many during their worst hours, from Key Largo to Key West.
Name: Rebecca Mumper
Hometown: Wiesbaden, Germany
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Road patrol deputy
Years of service: 2.5
What led to a career with MCSO? A lot of friends told me to do it.
What’s the best part of the job? Helping people when they need help.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was in Germany, and I remember watching it on the TV. I just remember that it was really bad.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Be ready, because it will change your life. I think a lot of people don’t understand that when they start. It’s in a better way, but it makes you more aware of things and more careful.
Name: Devon Peterson
Hometown: Marathon
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Road patrol deputy
Years of service: 4
What led to a career with MCSO? A change of heart in the academy. I originally wanted to go to Homeland Security. But I had really good instructors, and they were all from MCSO. I didn’t want to leave the Keys yet, so I figured I would stay where I was and try local law enforcement first.
What’s the best part of the job? It’s different every day, so you never come to work miserable because you know what’s coming. Every call is different and it keeps you on your toes.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I wasn’t born yet, so it was ahead of my time. But you hear about it, you learn from it and you hear the stories. But I know there’s nothing quite like being around it and experiencing it.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? If you’re going to do it, go all-in. This isn’t a part-time job in any way.
Name: Matt O’Neill
Hometown: Islamorada
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Road patrol sergeant
Years of service: 15
What led to a career with MCSO? My dad was a cop, the economy crashed and I didn’t see getting a job in engineering. Growing up as a kid, we always played with G.I. Joes and dressed up in cop uniforms. I’d seen my dad doing it so I became accustomed to it.
What’s the best part of the job? When you have a very hot call that gets the adrenaline going, that’s my favorite part.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was in Miss Brown’s class in sixth grade. She took a pause, told us what was going on, and we watched it on TV the rest of the day. It wasn’t until a couple hours after the second plane hit that we finally knew what was going on.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Know what you’re getting yourself into. Do a ride-along, talk to some guys, and be all-in with it. Don’t just come to collect a paycheck – you wear a vest and carry a gun for a reason.
Name: Edward Askins
Hometown: Key Largo
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Detective sergeant
Years of service: 24
What led to a career with MCSO? I started my relationship with the department when I was a teenager as a Sheriff’s Explorer. It’s kind of like the equivalent to Boy Scouts, but at the sheriff’s office. After high school, I went into the military as a military police officer because I was too young to go to the academy at the time.
What’s the best part of the job? Sitting at this (interview) table, everyone here is someone I trained, and I’ve had that happen many times where someone I started on their journey became a detective, sergeant or lieutenant. Matt’s dad was the detective I grew up knowing and learning from. So seeing that they all have their own careers, and being a part of that path along the way. Everyone has somebody that did something for them.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was in Beaufort, South Carolina walking into work in the Marine Corps, just in time to watch the second plane hit the second tower. The next year got a little spicy, and I was a little busy. I got to come home and continue in law enforcement. You have an idea of what your career is going to be like when you’re 23 years old, and there’s a different version of that when you’re in your 40s.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? You get a paycheck, so technically it’s a career, but it doesn’t stop when you go home. There’s a lot of stuff that’s not on the brochure – it’s hard to keep your family together, it’s hard to live a normal life. Cops go through so many micro-traumas throughout their career, but they don’t know that because they’re not military guys. Learning how to navigate that over the span of your career isn’t easy. But if you’re the right person for the job, it’s absolutely rewarding.
Name: Ben Elmore
Hometown: Monroe, Louisiana
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Lieutenant
Years of service: 14.5
What led to a career with MCSO? When my daughter was about 2-1/2, I got custody of her. I wanted a stable job and something that had longevity. My wife had family here, and we’d been visiting for years, so we decided to make a change. I applied as a dispatcher originally, and we lived for two and a half years on a boat with a 5-year-old and an 8-month-old.
What’s the best part of the job? The variety – you never know what you’re going to get into and what the next phone call is going to bring. When I was young, I had a habit of changing jobs because I would get tired of something fairly easily. You don’t get tired of this if you’re cut out for it.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was a long-haul truck driver at the time. I was in Wyoming, and I had a load actually headed to New York City. I stopped for fuel and went to give my credit card at the desk, and there was nobody there. I went to the driver’s lounge and saw what was going on on the TV. I got re-routed, and I ended up dropping my trailer in Chicago and continuing on somewhere else. Over the years of this career, the trainings I’ve gone to and the friends I’ve made, I’ve had contact with several people who were actually there at the site. It was very interesting to hear their sides of that.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Give it a shot, do some ride-alongs and see. But also, there’s no shame whatsoever if it isn’t for you. If it’s going to cause problems with your mental health and your family, then find something else to do. If you’re cut out for it, there are 1,000 aspects of the job. There’s a niche for everybody, and you can find something you’re interested in and get the training and experience.
Name: Imalay Diaz
Hometown: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Detective, Criminal Investigation Unit
Years of service: 6
What led to a career with MCSO? I always had a passion for criminal justice. I went to college to study that, and fell in love with it.
What’s the best part of the job? Calling a victim and telling them I have a suspect. Once I dig in and give it my all and find someone, calling the victim and letting them know is the best.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was at my house with my family. It made me realize how evil the world can be. I was pretty small, and I was kind of blind to that part of the world. It just opened my eyes.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Just go for it. This agency is great, and there’s a spot for everybody.
Name: Christopher Sanchez
Hometown: Miami
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Firefighter paramedic
Years of service: 18
What led to a career with MFR? I didn’t really want to be a firefighter, but I saw it as a part of who I was. I was super interested in medicine, but I didn’t like hospital settings.
What’s the best part of the job? I like to constantly remind myself that I’m a public servant. I believe service is love; I’m a man of faith, and I believe I’m out here doing God’s work by showing up with a smile on my face. I remind myself that someone is in a moment of crisis and they don’t know what to do. I’m there just to help them or go through it with them.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was with my brother at a doctor’s appointment. My brother was already in fire rescue, and when he saw it, he thought there could be an imminent collapse. It cemented who I am. Knowing those guys were putting themselves on the line and going into that crisis, I knew I was that kind of guy.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Don’t look at people as patients. Look at them as someone who needs guidance.
Name: Javier Panchas
Hometown: Miami
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Firefighter paramedic
Years of service: 15
What led to a career with MFR? I loved the outdoors. In my first job in high school, I would sit outside and wait for customers because I didn’t want to be contained within the walls. This was the perfect setup – our job entails being out in the community and training outside, going to accidents and people’s homes.
What’s the best part of the job? There’s no repetition. Each day is unique, and that element of surprise is what makes it exciting.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? High school math class. That day was the first day I took headphones for cross country practice, and I was listening to Power 96 (radio station) a few minutes after the first plane hit. I told them ‘Let’s put the TV on – something’s happening.’ It froze me for a bit, but ever since then I’ve been a bit more on guard. Even though it’s been so long, it’s not over.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Keep training physically. It’s not the easiest career, but it’s one of the most rewarding careers. Once you’re in, you’ll love it.
Name: Giancarlo Rodriguez
Hometown: Miami
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Firefighter EMT
Years of service: 2
What led to a career with MFR? I always loved helping people and the medical field, but the hospital setting wasn’t for me. When I learned how physical this job was, and that we get to hang here at the station and train, I knew it was the job for me.
What’s the best part of the job? The brotherhood. This is a second family for me, a home away from home. It doesn’t feel like work, and I’m grateful to have found that at a young age. It’s a huge blessing to be here. It feels like a sleepover – we run to calls and have a hard job, and there’s dark parts you don’t want to see. But to have a family like this, it’s a blessing.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I wasn’t born yet, but growing up and getting into this field, I heard all the stories, the interviews, the videos. All of that gives you a whole other idea and visual of the job. It gives you motivation to be better, and reminds you how quick your day can end here.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Don’t go based off TV shows. Do a ride-along and experience it firsthand and the life around it.
Name: Nelson Arro
Hometown: Santiago, Cuba
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Firefighter paramedic
Years of service: 1.5
What led to a career with MFR? I like sports and the team mentality, to help people, and challenges. I hate doing the same thing every day. In this job, you have to improvise a lot and rely on others who can rely on you. I was studying to be an electrical engineer, and I met a couple of them who had office jobs. I couldn’t be in an office all day.
What’s the best part of the job? The crew – they make the entire day. You have your best friends with you, and you respond to any type of call. We’ve had really bad calls, and in the end, we pat each other on the back, and we’re good.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was in Santiago, and I didn’t even know what was going on. In Cuba, everything was restricted – no internet, no communication. When I learned about it later on, it was a really shocking story. You start paying attention to national security and protecting our borders. Some people believe in things that are dangerous, and we have to be careful with that. One way of taking care of people is by doing this – being a first responder when they need us.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Start early, get your certifications, and you’re going to have a great time. It’s the best job in the world.
Name: Daniel Murciano
Hometown: Miami
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Captain, firefighter paramedic
Years of service: 21
What led to a career with MFR? My father had a stroke when I was 10 years old, and I witnessed the whole thing. That stuck with me when I saw fire rescue pick him up. I always liked the medical field and I worked in doctors’ offices and hospitals. I ended up going the EMT/paramedic route and then the firefighter route.
What’s the best part of the job? Helping individuals in their critical times and life emergencies. Number two, the brotherhood and the family that we build with the other guys and gals. There are people who’ve been gone for 10-plus years now, and I still stay in communication with them. It’s a family bond that never breaks.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I used to work at a computer company called Tiger Direct as their corporate trainer. When 9/11 happened, we were all watching it live on TV as it happened. At that point I was interested in the medical field, but watching the news and the firefighters influenced me quite a bit. I thought at first I was just going to be a paramedic, but I started doing ride-alongs with different fire departments, and this is what it morphed into.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? It’s the best career, but what you put into it is what you get out of it. If you don’t put in the time and effort, you’re not going to be successful. Communicate with the brotherhood you develop here – we all experience the same things that we carry for the rest of our careers. The support you have within the four walls of this facility is incredible, and you can talk to people from other departments and they understand.
Name: Cesar Moreton
Hometown: Miami
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Lieutenant, lead SWAT medic
Years of service: 20
What led to a career with MFR? I was actually electrocuted when I worked for a computer company called Tiger Direct (Daniel and I have been best friends since we were kids, and I got him hired there). I woke up, and firefighters were helping me out, and I became interested right off the rip. I registered for EMT school in Miami-Dade, and I did 10 years at Miami Children’s as a flight medic before I came here.
What’s the best part of the job? When people you’ve helped come back and say ‘Thank you for that day. You changed my life.’ Not because we need a thank-you, but when you see the hard work and sacrifice that this job entails, and they come back and share with you how they felt, that’s my favorite part.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was at Broward Memorial Hospital during paramedic school. We were waiting for the instructor to come up so we could go to the O.R. to practice intubations, and we saw it happen. They sent everybody home. That got me more interested in the special operations and training aspects. Becoming a SWAT medic was the thing I wanted, and I brought that program here when I got hired.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Do it because you want to do it, not because you want to wear the T-shirt. We have guys who came here because they figured they’d go to the Keys and it probably wouldn’t be as crazy. It’s just as crazy, and I’ve almost died here many, many times. Some people want to wear the shirt and say ‘I’m a fireman,’ but don’t want to put in the effort to sacrifice yourself for someone on their worst day.
Name: Matt Iacobelli
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Driver engineer
Years of service: 14
What led to a career with MFR? My uncle was a fire chief, and I was always drawn to it. We went to a couple fire stations when he was in that capacity, and I loved the job and wanted to help the community.
What’s the best part of the job? It’s very rewarding helping people on their bad days, and having a good work environment with a good group of guys.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was in middle school in sixth grade, and I remember my parents pulling me and my brothers out of school. That was weird, because unless there was a very good reason, we were always kept in class. Those firefighters gave their lives for this, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? It’s the best job in the world, it’s very rewarding, and no day is ever the same. When you hear that tone, because we’re all dual-certified firefighters and paramedics, you never know what it’s going to be – it could be a structure fire, a cardiac arrest or a bad car accident.
Name: Joel Fraga
Hometown: Matanzas, Cuba
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Firefighter paramedic
Years of service: 3
What led to a career with MFR? My dad was a firefighter back in Cuba, so that was a way for us to bond when I became one too. I knew I wanted to save lives, but following in his footsteps made me love it and have even more of a passion for it.
What’s the best part of the job? Besides saving lives, it’s the bonds you create here. It’s like an NFL team. You hang out together, you do everything together, you eat together – it’s like an adult sleepover. You get called out to the craziest things, but you’re still together.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I don’t remember very much because I was still in Cuba, and we couldn’t get much information from other countries. Now, you hear the stories about everything the firefighters did, and it gives you an idea that you want to be like that. You hope nothing ever happens again like that, but if it does, you want to be brave and be able to save innocent people’s lives.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Do it, 100%. Time away from the family is a big thing, but besides that and the stress from calls, the good overcomes the bad. It’s 90-10, and it’s the best job in the world.
Name: David Conde
Hometown: Miami
Agency: Marathon Fire Rescue
Position/rank: Firefighter paramedic
Years of service: 1.5
What led to a career with MFR? I always wanted to help others, and I feel that’s what we’re called to do. In high school I was given the opportunity as a scholarship recipient for the EMT program with Miami-Dade. I took it, and the Lord opened the doors, and I’ve loved it ever since.
What’s the best part of the job? Helping others, and having a great crew is a bonus. I get paid to do what I love, and I can’t complain. And the best part of the job, to be honest, is fighting fires.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I have a very patriotic bone in me, so it’s something you see happening and you can’t even believe it happened. All the firefighters and first responders that went in, they made the ultimate sacrifice and paved the way for me being here. God forbid, I have to make that ultimate sacrifice, but that’s my duty, and that’s what I signed up for.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Do it. I love it, and I really can’t complain. Give 110% and don’t let your foot off the pedal.
Name: Lissette Quintero
Hometown: Marathon
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Captain
Years of service: 16
What led to a career with MCSO? My desire to serve and protect others. I’ve always valued responsibility and helping people, and I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in the community.
What’s the best part of the job? Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. I also enjoy the variety of each day, and the sense of purpose that comes with the profession.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? Seeing the courage and sacrifice the first responders gave that day gave me a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes with protecting and serving others. 9/11 reminded me that law enforcement is more than a job – it is a commitment to service, courage and protecting others.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Understand that it’s more than just a job – it’s a commitment to serving your community. The bond formed between law enforcement officers is incredibly rewarding. Officers can reinvent their careers multiple times without ever changing employers. Public safety is always a top municipal and state priority, meaning officers enjoy exceptional job stability.
Name: Spenser Bryan
Hometown: Marathon
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Captain
Years of service: 16
What led to a career with law enforcement? I was following my father’s footsteps. My mom also worked as a civilian here at MCSO, so it’s a family affair.
What’s the best part of the job? Definitely serving the community. Working in Key Largo, my hometown where I grew up, and being back out here and helping the friends and family I grew up with here.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I was in eighth grade and remember I was walking into class and another student asked me if I heard what happened. I didn’t really understand the impact of it at the time. But definitely looking back now, it means a lot. It goes back to making the community safer.
Name: Charlene Sprinkle
Hometown: Marathon
Agency: MCSO
Position/rank: Lieutenant
Years of service: 32
What led to a career with law enforcement? I’ve always wanted to be in law enforcement. I can remember the day I was with my mom driving down U.S. 1 and seeing a police officer writing a report in the parking lot. I just said to myself, “I either want to be a police officer or a nurse.” Later in life, I grew fond of my dad, who worked for MCSO.
What’s the best part of the job? Helping those that need help. It’s hard to explain in a short answer, but taking that extra step, recognizing that it’s not just over when the call’s over. There should be follow-up … Does that mother or father need extra help? The elderly — do they know what services are out there if they’re living alone?
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? I had just come off the midnight shift and I remember hearing it on the radio, but I thought I was dreaming and thought they were talking about Pearl Harbor. Then I woke up and realized they weren’t and immediately went to TV. I was wondering, “Do we all need to come in to work right now?” I was new to road patrol at that time, still very young. I think, from a law enforcement perspective, it made us more aware of what to look for. See something, say something – it could occur anywhere.
Name: John Buckwalter
Hometown: Wellsboro, PA
Agency: Key Colony Beach Police
Position/rank: Sergeant
Years of service: 27
What led to a career with law enforcement? I guess it began with my obsession with “CHiPs Patrol” the show. As a young child I couldn’t imagine a more admirable job. I thought, wow, I get to go to work and help people all day long.
What’s the best part of the job? I have worn a lot of hats through the years – SWAT, undercover, detective in the special victims unit. Now that I am in the latter part of my career, I have that the best part of the job is community policing. The picnics, the parades, just patrolling in the morning and talking to people walking. People forget when you arrest “bad guys” for the most part. But people never forget kind words, and conversation.
Where were you on 9/11, and how did that influence your career or life? On 9/11 I was working a middle shift (3-11 p.m.) in Allentown. We’d just come off an unbelievably busy shift on Sept. 10. My phone rang early in the morning, and a friend said to me “the World Trade Center is gone.” Like everyone, I was glued to the TV all day. I’ll never forget that night back at work because no one was talking. Later that evening, one of our captains sent a message to our car computers. He asked for volunteers to go to New York City to assist. I of course added my name to the list, as did everyone on the shift. But NYPD asked that no more agencies come due to the gridlock and chaos. When I look back on it now I remember the following weeks and months. Everyone had an American flag on their porch. People were saying thank you to the police. The patriotism was at a level that I never saw. It’s a shame that it took something like that for people to understand what America stands for. Hopefully someday we get back to that.
Advice for anyone considering a career as a first responder? Spend your young years preparing, learn to do the correct things in life, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Understand that someday when you are applying, you will have to answer for the things that you did in your past. Always carry yourself like a gentleman. Get used to shining those shoes, ironing your clothes and looking more professional than the next person. The rest will take care of itself.
