- December 20, 2024
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The Palm Coast Fire Department held a special ceremony on Aug. 8 at the Palm Coast Community Center honoring newly promoted firefighters and new hires.
Driver engineers Jeremy Barton, Leroy Fisher, Michael LaGreca and Anthony Pedersen were promoted to lieutenants. Firefighters Bill Kerek and Tyler Major were promoted to driver engineer positions.
And five new firefighters joined the team. Joseph Cruz, Evyn Insalaco, Kalin Kelly, Jace Sherbert, Joseph Sweeney, Jacob Weaver and Aaron Welsh all joined the department since February.
The newly promoted firefighters were proudly pinned by their loved ones. Chief Kyle Berryhill highlighted the significance of these advancements, emphasizing how the department's well-established succession plan ensures a seamless transition of leadership.
Mayor David Alfin said, "As we recognize the contributions of retiring fire officers and welcome our newly promoted leaders, we also extend our congratulations to the career firefighters who embarked on their journey through our firefighter intern program. Under the guidance of Chief Berryhill, I am confident that each of you will continue to provide outstanding care and fire protection for Palm Coast. Success is only achieved through meticulous succession planning."
The fire department also honored firefighters for their heroic life-saving efforts. Lieutenant Joseph Fajardo, Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Lieutenant Junelle Steward, Lieutenant Jason Wagner, Driver Engineers Katelyn Baller, Christopher Cottle, Brandon O’Hara, and Joshua Meeker, along with Firefighter Osvaldo Sene, were recognized with CPR Lifesaving Award Ribbons.
Lieutenants Guillermo Arnold and Leroy Fisher were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their outstanding service, exemplary coordination and unwavering dedication to protecting the community during a severe vehicle crash with entrapment and fire, where their rapid response saved a life.
Finally, Matanzas High School junior Logan Pacarro received the Civilian Life Saving Award for his courageous efforts in helping to save a neighbor's life during a house fire on Aug. 6.
