Commissioner Diaz honors fallen firefighters
Commissioner Diaz speaks at the Fallen Fire Fighters Ceremony.
(Photos by Armando Rodriguez / Miami-Dade County photographer.)
(MIAMI-DADE COUNTY) – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz joined Mayor Carlos Gimenez, the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Department (MDFR), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1403, in a ceremony on June 17 to honor the lives of local firefighters who have died in the line of duty or from cancer-related causes.
The ceremony included touching personal stories about some of the fallen first responders. Speakers also discussed the high cancer rate among firefighters and the need to focus more attention on the problem.
Commissioner Diaz last month sponsored a resolution declaring June as “Fire Fighter Memorial Month” and authorizing an annual exhibit to fallen firefighters. This year’s exhibit, sponsored by IAFF Local 1403, features dozens of empty boots symbolizing the local firefighters who have died.
“This display reminds us of the importance of the sacrifices firefighters have made,” Commissioner Diaz said. “They will not be forgotten.”
Miami-Dade Fire Chief Dave Downey accepts a plaque from (left to right) Commissioners Dennis Moss, Javier Souto, Jean Monestime, Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Sally Heyman, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and Commissioner Barbara Jordan at the Fallen Fire Fighters ceremony.