At the December 5 Town Council meeting, Chief Abel Fernandez, Battalion Chief of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Station 64 in Miami Lakes, was recognized due to his upcoming retirement. He was commended for his commitment to serve the community for the last three years.
Twenty years ago, Fernandez began his career as a firefighter in Liberty City, where he gained invaluable experience as a fire paramedic. Later, he retained the title of Fire Lieutenant under the 11th Battalion which oversaw special operations. There he learned how to deal with hazardous materials and how to be an excellent ASVAB technician.
Fernandez then earned the rank of Captain where he dedicated his efforts in the coordination of a world-class fire marine operations group for Miami-Dade County.
For the past three years, Fernandez has not only been a dedicated Miami Lakes resident, but has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and preventive care of the community.
Along with council members, he began a stroke prevention campaign called “Know Your Pulse” as well as the “R.A.M.P. It Up” campaign to encourage residents to have vital medical information written down in anticipation of an emergency for First Responders.
Also, Mayor Manny Cid and councilmembers proclaimed December 5 as “Zonta says ‘No” To Violence Against Women Day.” The Zonta Club of Miami Lakes is the local chapter of Zonta International and on November 25, the organization kicked off its “16 Days of Activism,” an international campaign to raise awareness and increase actions to end violence against women and girls locally and around the world.