Photos by Eric Goodman, Local 1403

(Miami, FL) – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) celebrated the rededication of Fire Station #29 in Sweetwater honoring Firefighter Juan Torga on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Torga’s family and elected officials were present at this very special plaque unveiling ceremony.

District 12’s County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, who used to be the Mayor of the City of Sweetwater, remembers going to fire calls and joked about an incident when Firefighter Juan Torga politely asked him to get out of the way so he could do his job.
 
Firefighter Torga served more than 20 years of his career at MDFR’s Fire Station #29 sharing his wisdom and guidance with his colleagues.

“I remember being a rookie firefighter and being assigned to Station 29 where I learned a lot from Firefighter Torga,” said Fire Chief Dave Downey. “He was there early in the morning and was always on top of his assigned rescue truck to make sure it was in optimal condition; additionally, he loved driving and knew the color of each house in the response territory. He truly cared about the station, the crew, and the community.”

Firefighter Torga’s positive spirit and dedication to the fire service did not wane despite his diminishing health. He retired after 24-years of devoted service with MDFR at Fire Station #29 exemplifying courage, perseverance, selflessness, and excellence.

“Station 29 was my father’s home away from home. Sometimes it even felt as if it was his first home. I remember coming to his station to visit him many times but because it was so busy, I would be here not even 5 minutes before my dad would get a call and had to leave,” said Lidia Torga-Perez.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.