As second in command, Deputy Fire Chief Alfredo Suarez implements MDFR's goals and objectives by providing overall departmental management and coordination.  He oversees four major areas of MDFR's structure: Operations, Technical Services, Supportive Services and Administration.  All of the department's Assistant Directors and Chiefs report directly to him.

Deputy Fire Chief Suarez began his career with MDFR as a firefighter in 1984, ultimately reaching the rank of Division Chief in 1994. He was appointed as Miami-Dade County's Fire Marshal/MDFR Fire Prevention Division Chief in May 1998.  Prior to that, he spent 4 years as MDFR's Logistical Services Division Chief.  In this capacity, his primary function was the management of all technical services that support MDFR operations.   

Deputy Fire Chief Suarez played a key role in coordinating the responses to such catastrophic events as Hurricane Andrew; Hurricane Erin; Hurricane Opal; Hurricane Bertha; the Oklahoma City bombing; the crash of American Airlines Flight 965 in Buga, Columbia; the crash of ValuJet Flight 592 in the Florida Everglades; and most recently, Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf States. 

Deputy Fire Chief Suarez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with graduate-level course work in structures, hydraulics and project management from the University of Florida.  In addition, he holds an Associate of Arts degree in both Architecture and Fire Science from Miami Dade College.  He is a state-certified firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician and rescue scuba diver.