Local news- Press Release
City of Melbourne Florida - Melbourne Firefighters Honored During Awards and Promotional Ceremony 16 February 2024 ( news )
City of Melbourne , state Florida ( By Press Release office)
Feb 16,2024
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The Melbourne Fire Department Awards and Promotional Ceremony was held on February 9 to honor Melbourne firefighters for their exceptional skills , teamwork and compassion . Employees earning promotions were also recognized , and new firefighters were sworn in and formally welcomed to the department .
Firefighter of the Year
Lt . Stephen Vallantewas named Firefighter of the Year for 2023 . Lt . Vallante was recognized for his role in building a reliable Peer Support Team within the Melbourne Fire Department that can be depended upon internally and is also of service to neighboring agencies . First responders often respond to high - stress , traumatic incidents that require after - action intervention . During 2023 , Lt . Vallante provided support to firefighters from multiple stations and shifts . Several of these incidents involved the death of small children — losses such as these can often have a negative effect on first responders . Lt . Vallante was specifically recognized for the critical support he gave to the firefighters who responded to the tragic accident on Dairy Road that resulted in the death of a child on December 3 . He not only provided initial support after the incident , but continued to follow up and check on everyone’s mental wellbeing . He also assisted when a lieutenant with the Port Canaveral Fire Department unexpectedly passed away . Lt . Vallante is greatly admired and appreciated for his empathy and professionalism . His efforts have helped firefighters cope while lowering the stigma associated with asking for assistance .
Exceptional Duty Awards
Lt . Roger Van - Kramerreceived an Exceptional Duty Award in recognition of his work ethic and selfless acts that have made a lasting impression on many . Whether leading a crew or helping the citizens of Melbourne , he is known for always going above and beyond and for living by a “leave it better than you found it” motto .
Lt . Michael Desharnais , Lt . Roger Van - Kramer , Driver Engineer Cody Gilletti , Driver Engineer Eduardo Ribeiro , Firefighter Hunter Davidson , Firefighter Bryson Messenger , and Firefighter Robert Morgan
received an Exceptional Duty Award for their excellent problem - solving and quick action in response to flooding in parking garage on Front Street . When they arrived , they found 8 inches of water in the parking garage and stairwell . They identified the source and found a way to stop it despite many obstacles . They also located and set up a suction line to begin removing water before maintenance crews could arrive , which helped save the property and vehicles from further damage .
Unit Citations
Lt . Joshua Matheny , Firefighter Derek Gilbert , Firefighter Luke McKay , and Firefighter Michael Padley
received a Unit Citation in recognition of lifesaving care given to a man who became unconscious during a Jiu Jitsu class . An off - duty Palm Bay firefighter who was already on scene had initiated CPR . The crew took over patient care and , while continuing to perform CPR , a total of 2 EPIs were administered along with 3 defibrillations . The patient was turned over to Brevard County’s care , and it was reported that the patient began to regain consciousness during transport to the emergency room and was talking with the nurses upon his arrival . The combined efforts of the off - duty medic and the crew helped ensure the patient had a positive outcome .
Battalion Chief Ryan Spencer , Lt . Tad Hammer , Lt . Jeffrey Ayer , Driver Engineer Cody Gilletti , Driver Engineer Shayne Hampton , Driver Engineer John Jackson , Firefighter Gavin Fox , Firefighter Nicholas Lamb , Firefighter Brandon Lanza , Firefighter Austin Redmond , Firefighter Alexis Rogulski , and Firefighter Brandon Veaseywere awarded a Unit Citation for exemplary work during their response to a motor vehicle crash involving a mother and child on December 3 . Upon their arrival to the chaotic and emotionally charged scene , the child was found to be in critical condition . They worked as a cohesive unit providing the highest level of medical care possible . Unfortunately , the child succumbed to his injuries , but the lifesaving actions taken , and the support they all provided to each other , were commendable .
Lt . Joshua Arnold , Lt . Michael Desharnais , Lt . Daniel Morton , Lt . Roger Van - Kramer , Driver Engineer Ryan Case , Driver Engineer Cody Gilletti , Driver Engineer Timothy Jorgensen , Driver Engineer Eduardo Ribeiro , Firefighter Hunter Davidson , Firefighter Gavin Fox , Firefighter Matthew Lovato , Firefighter Robert Morgan , and Firefighter Austin Redmond
were awarded a Unit Citation for outstanding work performing a highly complex and lengthy extrication of a patient from a vehicle that had crashed into a concrete pole . Everyone worked tirelessly for almost two hours to extract the patient and were commended for their training , experience and ability to work as a cohesive unit .
Promotions
Austin Fisher was recognized for being promoted to Lieutenant
on October 5 , 2023 . Lt . Fisher began his service on November 30 , 2015 . He became a solo paramedic on April 19 , 2016 . He obtained his FO1 and became certified in rope , VMR , confined space and trench tech in 2021 . He has been awarded five Unit Citations .
Firefighter Matthew Morrellwas recognized for completing his one - year probation .
New Firefighters
Andrew Cole , Meagan Hartselle , Christopher Marconi II , and Steven Padillawere officially sworn in and formally welcomed to the Melbourne Fire Department after completing orientation .
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