Left: Each boot represents a life remembered and honored. Right: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez presents a proclamation to
MDFR's Fire Chief, Dave Downey.
Photos by Eric Goodman, Local 1403 Photographer

(Miami, FL) – On June 17, 2014 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) and the Metro-Dade Fire Fighters IAFF Local 1403 held a joint press conference in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center located at 111 NW 1st Street in Miami to honor the lives of 50 MDFR firefighters who have died either in the line of duty or from cancer related issues. The fallen heroes’ tribute exhibit will remain at this location for the month of June. Family members, former coworkers, elected officials, and surprise guests Nat Moore, Dan Marino and Jason Taylor were present during the ceremony.

Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Prime Sponsor of the resolution, said: “Firefighters play an important role in protecting the lives, wellbeing and property of the citizens of Miami-Dade County risking their health and safety; many of them have lost their lives in the line of duty. Currently there are studies being conducted examining if firefighters are at an increased risk of developing certain occupational diseases by the nature of their work”. Commissioners Sally A. Heyman and Esteban L. Bovo, Jr. co-sponsored the resolution that was adopted last month by the Board of County Commissioners declaring the month of June as “Firefighter’s Memorial Month”.

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