Fire Foundation Honors First Responders at Annual Meeting

With over 170 supporters and friends in attendance, the Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation held its Annual Meeting at the Island Country Club on Thursday, April 4. This will mark the 17th anniversary of the organization as an excited Board President Dianna Dohm highlighted the fact it returned to the site of the Foundation’s original annual meeting venue, the Island Country Club. One of the two major announcements that were made during the luncheon involved a special award presented to Donna Niemczyk who serves as the Foundation’s secretary. Her assistance to board members has become invaluable to the organization as highlighted by Dohm’s presentation. 

The other major announcement has become a major highlight of the yearly event - the coveted Firefighter of the Year Award. This year’s recipient, Fire Inspector Michael Beirne, played a vital role as the interim manager of the Fire Prevention and Inspection Bureau after Fire Marshal Jennifer Piercere signed to take a position in the private sector. 

“We quickly advertised the Fire Marshal position however, we were in need of an interim Fire Marshal,” said Fire Chief Chris Byrne in his speech about Beirne. “I approached Fire Inspector Michael Beirne, asking him if he would consider serving in the interim Fire Marshal role, and he immediately replied, ‘Whatever you need, Chief.’ 

“Mike worked tirelessly in the Fire Marshal position, committed to serving the building and business community without interruption,” said Byrne. After the position was filled, Beirne “immediately took on teaching him the system and the city processes,” said Byrne.  

Hired initially to take on the role as one of the city’s fire inspectors, Beirne came to Marco Island after a 27-year career in North Andover, Massachusetts. Beirne had not only undergone his initial badge pinning ceremony during the 2023 Foundation Annual Meeting but brought with him over a quarter of a century of experience with his former department. 

There were other recognitions and pinings at the luncheon. 

First year probation pins went to Firefighter Paramedic Rebecca Eagles and Firefighter Paramedic John Chimpoulis. Eagles served as a paramedic at Lakewood Ranch Hospital and Chimpoulis came to Marco from Davie, Florida. 

Fire Inspector Adilen Borrego and Fire Inspector Todd Riggall had their Fire Inspectors Bad Pinning. Borrego had served in the Miami-Dade Permitting and Inspections Department while Riggall previously served at North Collier Fire & Rescue District, retiring after 20 years as the Deputy Fire Marshal. 

The Captain and Fire Marshal Promotion Badge Pinning went to  Captain Paramedic Jessee  Yarnell and newly hired Fire Marshal Daniel Zunzunegui. Yarnell has been with the city for 15 years, six of those in the Water & Sewer Department. Zunzunegui brings 20 years of experience to the Fire Marshal position, having served the City of Naples Fire Department for 13 years. 

The 2023 Business Recognition Award went to Keller Williams, who started a “First Responder Friday.” The first Friday of each month, all Marco first responders come to their office for lunch where their staff prepares hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ brisket, pasta, sides and dessert. 

“What is very special about this event is on Marco Island, First Responders are not only Police & Fire Rescue, our First Responders include the Water & Sewer Utility staff and Public Works staff. All are included in the First Responder Friday event,” said Byrne. 

Council Chairperson Jared Grifoni also swore in next year’s Foundation Directors and officers. 

“I consider myself lucky to have such a great team in place who go above and beyond in service to our community, and I say a sincere THANK YOU to all of our department members,” said Byrne. “I especially want to thank the families, as they at times worry about their loved ones’ safety. To them, I can say we are doing everything possible to ensure that our members go home healthy and safe every single day.”