Whenever the opportunity arises, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is proud to stand alongside our community in supporting causes that make a difference and spread messages of hope, strength, and support. Today, #MDFR joined our community at the 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Miami Walk. Our personnel and their families walked alongside breast cancer survivors, loved ones and community members to show their support for those affected by breast cancer and honor those who have lost their lives to the disease. Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the walk brings our community together to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, patient support, and programs that help individuals and families affected by the disease. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of an event that brings so many people together in support of one another.

On Friday, the Brotherhood Ride stopped at our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Training Center to honor the lives and legacies of Florida’s fallen first responders. Comprised of firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel, the Brotherhood Ride cycles across Florida to pay tribute to those who died in the line of duty and provide emotional and financial support to their families. This year’s ride honored #MDFR Firefighter Timothy Burgs and Captain William “Bill” Gustin. We are grateful to the Brotherhood Ride for honoring their service and sacrifice and keeping their legacies alive.

Today marked a special milestone for the nine members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Basic Life Support Transport Unit (BTU) Class No. 3 as they celebrated their graduation. Surrounded by family and friends, the graduates received their badges from @MDFRChief Ray Jadallah, marking the beginning of their service to our community. Starting next week, these paramedics will report to fire stations across Miami-Dade County to staff our Basic Life Support Transport Units, which provide care and transportation for lower-acuity patients who do not require advanced life support. By transporting these patients, BTUs help keep our Advanced Life Support rescue units available for patients who require a higher level of medical care. This approach allows #MDFR to make effective use of its resources while ensuring each patient receives care and transportation appropriate to their medical needs. Join us in congratulating the nine graduates of BTU Class No. 3 as they prepare to serve our community.

For teens, getting your driver’s license is a big milestone. It means more freedom, new adventures, and time behind the wheel. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Making safe choices behind the wheel helps protect not only young drivers but everyone who shares the road. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Safety Patrol Twins are back with teen driving safety tips to help young drivers stay alert, avoid distractions, and make responsible decisions. Safe driving starts with you. Watch the video to learn how you can help keep our roads safer for everyone in our community. #MDFRKidsSafetyCorner #SafetyPatrolTwins

On Thursday, Oct. 22, at 9:43 a.m., Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle fire near State Road 826 Expressway and Northwest 36th Street. #MDFR firefighters found an unoccupied car carrier truck transporting multiple vehicles engulfed in flames and began applying water to extinguish the fire. Crews also deployed an aerial master stream from a ladder truck to attack the flames from above. Once the fire was put out, a specialized firefighting foam was used to reduce the risk of remaining fuels from possibly reigniting. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Responding C-shift units: B11, E17, E48, FP10, L83, P59.

This week, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue welcomed 35 high school students from the Christopher Columbus High School Pre-Med Club and EMT Program to our Air Rescue facility for a hands-on learning experience. Throughout the visit, students learned how #MDFR crews assess emergency scenes, communicate with one another, care for patients, and coordinate rescue operations. They got the chance to participate in simulated emergencies where patients were assessed, treated, and transported by Air Rescue using a rescue hoist. Beyond learning new skills, students got a firsthand look at the importance of teamwork, communication, and coordination when responding to emergencies. Experiences like these give the next generation of medical professionals and first responders an opportunity to explore careers in emergency services up close.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 3:53 p.m., Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a residential fire near Northwest 90th Street and Northwest 23rd Avenue. #MDFR firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from a single-family home. While some crews worked to contain the fire, others entered the residence to search for anyone who may have been inside. Due to the intensity of the fire, the incident was upgraded to a Second Alarm, bringing additional firefighters and resources to the scene. Crews used multiple hose lines to fight the fire, while firefighters on the roof conducted ventilation operations to release heat and smoke, helping improve conditions inside the home. Once the fire was extinguished, crews remained on scene ventilating lingering smoke. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The American Red Cross was requested to assist those impacted by the fire. Responding B-shift units: AIR, B04, B05, D63, E07, E19, E27, E35, E54, L18, M01, P26, PIO2, PIO4, R07, R26, R54, R67, V04, V06.

Knowing how to act when a baby is choking or stops breathing can help you feel more prepared during an emergency. Watch this video to learn how to recognize when a baby needs help and what steps you can take until first responders arrive. Want to learn more about these and other lifesaving skills? Sign up for an upcoming Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Health Emergency Life Protection (HELP) training course at bit.ly/MDFRHELP.

Today marked a special milestone for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Operations North Division Chief Horacio Rodríguez, who celebrated his retirement surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. Since joining #MDFR in 1995, Chief Rodríguez has dedicated more than three decades to serving those in Miami-Dade County. What began as a career as a firefighter grew into 31 years of service, during which he rose through the ranks and took on greater responsibilities Today’s celebration at Station 2 brought together many of the people who have been part of his journey, offering an opportunity to look back on the friendships, experiences and accomplishments that have shaped his career. Among those in attendance was @MDFRChief Ray Jadallah, who recognized Chief Rodríguez for his years of service and commitment to the department. As Chief Rodríguez begins this next chapter join us in thanking him as he leaves behind more than three decades of memories, friendships and contributions. We wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter!

This week, the recruits of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Class 161 practiced ground ladder carries and raises, learning how to balance ladders on their shoulders and bring them into an upright position using controlled movements. Through repetition and hands-on instruction, #MDFRClass161 recruits are developing the techniques that are needed to safely handle this essential tool. During a fire, ladders can provide #MDFR firefighters with access to upper floors, roofs, and other areas that may be difficult to reach. Knowing how to safely carry and position these ladders is an important part of our response.

Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jahthaniel Griffiths has been one of the voices Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighters count on when responding to emergencies. This week, @MDFRChief Jadallah recognized Jahthaniel for reaching 25 years of service to Miami-Dade County. Jahthaniel has helped keep crews informed, connected, and safe while they are out in the field. From relaying critical information to tracking responding units and coordinating resources, his work helps ensure firefighters have the support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Join us as we celebrate Jahthaniel’s 25 years of dedication to our community.

19 years into her career, Capt. Samantha Sanchez continues to embrace new challenges within Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. After rising through the ranks from Lieutenant to Captain, she has built her path on hard work, sacrifice, and pride in serving the community she calls home. As a Technical Rescue Technician, she continues to broaden her skills while finding meaningful ways to support others. For Capt. Sanchez, Hispanic Heritage Month is closely tied to the importance she places on family and respect. The lessons she learned growing up have stayed with her throughout her career and shape what she brings to her role as a first responder. It’s an honor for her to represent her community and be an example for others who may see themselves in her journey. Working for #MDFR had always been a dream for Capt. Sanchez, and today she is grateful for the opportunity to serve those around her and be someone they can rely on. Join us in celebrating Capt. Sanchez’s journey and the dedication she brings to the community she is honored to represent.

As we continue observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team continues raising funds to support breast cancer research, education, and services. Today, the team held a “Community Yard Sale and Donation Drive” at #MDFR headquarters to support those affected by breast cancer in our community. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, helping fund lifesaving research and programs that provide support to individuals and families facing breast cancer.

Deploying a hoseline takes more than knowing how to handle the equipment. It requires firefighters to communicate, coordinate their movements, and work together to get water where it's needed. Today, the recruits of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Class 161 practiced deploying hoselines using shoulder-carried hose loads, working in teams of three to lay out hose along a designated path. Throughout the exercise, #MDFRClass161 recruits strengthened their communication, coordination, and hose-handling skills, learning how each team member plays an important role in getting a hoseline into position.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10:45 a.m., Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a traffic incident near the 19400 block of East Country Club Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found two vehicles involved in a crash, with the driver of one vehicle trapped inside requiring extrication. Technical rescue specialists were requested to assist with the extrication. Using specialized hydraulic rescue tools, firefighters carefully worked to safely remove the driver from the damaged vehicle. Once extricated, the patient was transported to a nearby trauma center. #MDFR’s Technical Rescue (TRT) crews are trained to perform complex rescues using specialized tools and techniques. In traffic incidents where a person is trapped, such as this one, crews work to safely gain access to and remove the person while minimizing the risk of further injury. Responding C-shift units: B02, E08, E19, FCOM8, R08, R33.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was honored to join the Miami Beach Fire Department and the Miami Burn Center as they kicked off the 39th annual Children’s Fire Safety Festival in Miami Beach. MDFR’s Community Affairs team taught students important fire safety skills, including stop, drop, and roll and when and how to call 911. Students also got a closer look at some of the equipment firefighters use every day to keep our community safe. #MDFR is proud to help educate our community’s youngest and teach them essential fire safety skills that can help keep them and those around them safe.

Last week, students in Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s EMT STEP Program took part in a mentorship session with MDFR personnel. The discussion offered practical advice on managing the demands of school, work, and personal responsibilities while preparing for a career in EMS. Division Chief Wilbert Hall, Lt. Kristian Garcia, and FF Robert Ortega shared experiences from their own careers and spoke about the importance of discipline and perseverance. #MDFR Fire Chief Ray Jadallah also visited the class to encourage students to stay committed to their goals and make the most of future opportunities. Through sessions like this, students gain valuable perspective as they continue their training and prepare for the next steps in their EMS careers.

On Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at 12:07 p.m., Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a hazardous situation with reports of a downed aircraft near the 12800 block of Southwest 145th Avenue. During an aerial search, #MDFR crews located a small aircraft that had safely landed in a remote area. Air Rescue personnel landed nearby, made contact with a person onboard, assessed them for injuries, and provided transportation out of the area. Incidents like these highlight the important role of Air Rescue in reaching locations that may be difficult to access by ground. Using helicopters, crews can search large or remote areas, locate people who may need assistance, and provide medical care and transportation when needed. Responding B-shift units: ARS, B12, F24.

For 17 years, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Fire Inspector Isidro Valdez has found purpose in helping prevent emergencies before they happen. Through inspections, code enforcement, and education, he takes pride in helping identify hazards, addressing potential risks, and giving people the information they need to help keep themselves and others safe. Knowing that these everyday efforts can have a lasting impact gives his work a strong sense of purpose. For him, service is also closely connected to his Hispanic heritage. The son of Dominican parents, Inspector Valdez remembers being raised and attending school in the Dominican Republic. He says his background helps him connect with the people he serves, builds trust, and allows him to better understand the communities he works with each day. This Hispanic Heritage Month, join #MDFR in recognizing Fire Inspector Isidro Valdez and celebrating his 17 years of service and dedication to keeping Miami-Dade County safe.