Eight members of Key Biscayne’s Fire-Rescue Department were recently honored during a special presentation at the February Village Council meeting for their exemplary live-saving efforts.
On Dec. 16, three crews from Key Biscayne arrived just three minutes after hearing an emergency call regarding an electrocution and fall.
“They stabilized the patient and recognized the need for immediate transport, while still taking into consideration any surrounding dangers from the power lines,” said Fire Rescue Chief Joe Fernandez. “The patient had severe internal injuries. Unquestionably, their response led to his survival.”
Within 10 minutes, the worker was being transported to a Level 1 trauma center.
According to Fernandez, the victim fell 30 feet and has since faced “countless surgeries,” but his condition was improving, even posing with the crews from his hospital bed after getting released from the Intensive Care Unit.
Mayor Joe Rasco presented the group with a Unit Citation, and a letter of commendation came from Deputy Fire Chief Dan Feeney, in recognition for their life-saving work as everyone in the audience that evening stood and applauded.
“This is what you invest in,” Mayor Rasco said. “That man is going to live a successful and productive life.”
Those recognized were: Capt. Thomas Dunfee; Lt. Robert Campos; Lt. Christopher Perez; Driver Engineers Andrew Cosler and Charley Hotchkiss; and firefighters Robert Costa, Aldo Trujillo and Lazaro Lima.