Commissioner Diaz to honor fallen firefighters

(MIAMI-DADE COUNTY) – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz will join the Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Department (MDFR), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1403, in a ceremony and press conference to honor the lives of 50 MDFR firefighters who have died in the line of duty or from cancer-related causes.

The Fallen Fire Fighters Ceremony and press conference will take place on Tuesday, June 17 at 1 p.m. in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Honor Guard will participate in the ceremony. Family members and former coworkers also have been invited.  

An exhibit commemorating fallen firefighters, sponsored by IAFF Local 1403, will remain on display in the lobby through June 30. It features dozens of empty boots symbolizing the local firefighters who have died. Commissioner Diaz last month sponsored a resolution declaring June as “Fire Fighter Memorial Month” and authorizing the exhibit, which is to take place every year in June.

Commissioner Diaz said the annual tribute to firefighters was overdue.

“Firefighters not only risk their health and safety to protect their fellow citizens’ lives and property, but studies are being conducted to examine if they are at an increased risk of developing certain occupational diseases because of the nature of their work,” Commissioner Diaz said. “This solemn display reminds us of their courage and sacrifice and of the tremendous debt of gratitude that we owe them.”