Statement from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on 4th of July weekend boating accident
(MIAMI, July 7, 2014) – The accidental death of four young people over the long holiday weekend is a tragic event, and my condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims. In the face of such a tragedy, it is understandable that emotions would run high while we seek to understand how and why such an accident took place.
This is why the comments made by Metro Dade Fire Fighters Union President Al Cruz were not only insensitive, but also irresponsible.
The rescue was a multi-agency effort, with the City of Miami initially leading the response because the accident occurred in their territory. I commend all involved in the search and rescue operations. When Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was notified, the department sent a helicopter to the scene and assisted in the operation.
With regard to the fire boat mentioned by Mr.Cruz, my administration attempted to have the fire boat put back in service a year ago using existing personnel. Unfortunately, the firefighter’s union blocked the restoring of the fire boats service. When we proposed that for efficiency and cost-saving measures, fire rescue personnel staffed at PortMiami be cross utilized to operate the boats, the union refused insisting that a unit solely dedicated to the fire boat be used instead. Bottom line, Miami-Dade County has plenty of fire rescue assets at PortMiami to get this unit back into service, but the union refused. It’s time for IAFF Local 1403 to put service for residents and visitors before their own self interests.