Fire Foundation Luncheon Celebrates Great Team

The Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation resumed its in person Annual Meeting for members and department personnel on Friday, May 20, under the special events tent at the Island Country Club. 

This much-anticipated event was well attended by more than 100 guests, including city personnel, executive staff, department personnel, and the family members of individuals receiving recognition and new personnel being sworn in.

Usually, firefighter awards are presented at the Fire Foundation Annual Meeting (even though personnel has taken over those responsibilities). For over two and a half years, this public recognition of fire-rescue personnel was delayed by the pandemic. 

Fire Foundation President Dianna Dohm welcomed the attendees and their families. Promotions were announced for Battalion Chief Leo Rodriguez, Captain Patrick O’Gorman, Captain Chris Bowden and Lt. Sergio Deleon. 

One of the other highlights of the luncheon was the announcement of Deputy Chief David Batiato as the Firefighter of the Year, an award presented by the Fire Rescue Foundation. 

David Batiato is known as a professional who shies away from the limelight and extolls teamwork among firefighters. During his 31 years with the department, he has shown modesty regarding his own accomplishments, which are many. 

From a young age, Batiato knew that the fire rescue service would become part of his life, although he didn’t pursue it immediately. After graduating college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a short stint working in the business community, he followed his dream of becoming a firefighter.

In 1991, Batiato walked through the front doors of the Marco Island Fire Department headquarters, which at the time was located on South Barfield Drive, beyond the Publix Shopping Center. It was at that station, and the other small one-bay building on East Elkcam Circle, where Batiato began his 31-year career in one of the nation’s most dangerous and challenging professions.

Over the last two and a half years, Batiato has been tasked with addressing the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges included creating a plan for the city to respond to its citizens’ health and safety needs, as well as how to keep city staff safe. This effort was critical to ensure that vital city services would continue to be delivered with minimum disruptions.

In typical Batiato fashion, he referred to the “team effort” used to meet those challenges, pointing out the cooperation that was required, during not only the COVID-19 response, but the many other challenges the department has faced during his 31 years.

“We’ve weathered a number of challenges over the years, but because we worked together, understanding the importance of the collaborative effort and the solidarity between all involved, we’ve really been able make a difference for the community,” said Batiato.

For more information about the Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation, visit marcoislandfirerescuefoundation.com.