Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation Celebrates Achievements

The Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation held its Celebration of Achievements luncheon at the recently renovated Island Country Club to honor new hires, employee promotions, an upcoming retirement and Fireman of the Year. The first order of business was a welcome by Dianna Dohm, president of the foundation. The Fire Foundation Board of Directors for 2023 was sworn in by City Council co-chair, Jared Grifoni. As president, Dohm recognized the individual who has given selflessly to the organization and whose efforts are invaluable. The President’s Award was given to Barb Murphy.

Chief Byrne began the luncheon by reviewing 2022. It was a record-breaking year for the department, which responded to over 4,000 incidents, a 15% increase over 2021. The busiest months were May, July, October and December, each of which set records.

The department responded to 336 incidents in the two weeks after Hurricane Ian. The activity brought engines from Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Plantation to assist with the increased activity, including five structure fires, seven vehicle fires, 37 electrical emergencies, six gas leaks and 128 medical emergencies.

Chief Byrne went on to acknowledge the outstanding effort of firefighters during Hurricane Ian, saying they were in the most challenging circumstances and often at risk of their own lives. Yet, each will tell you they were just doing their job as they do daily, but those of us who see their work were reminded again of the dedication and commitment in keeping our residents and visitors safe.

A fire department is full of traditions. One of the most sentimental department traditions is the ‘pinning’ ceremony. Whether it be a new hire, a fire inspector or other promotion, each pinning has its own significance. The person being pinned chooses who will pin them. They are reminded that they have the public’s trust and that the pinning of the badge on their chest represents their commitment to stand in the public’s defense against threats to their life and property. It symbolizes their vow to ensure the trust the public gives them has not been misplaced. The badge reminds them to protect that trust at all costs.

Badge Pinning - Firefighters (after one-year probation)

- Fireman Paramedic Joseph Cid was pinned by girlfriend Katherine Arrastia. He was previously with Port Orange Fire Rescue where he served for three years.

- Firefighter Paramedic Brandon Sierra, pinned by his brother, Matthew. He was a clinical support technician for Baptist Health and had prior experience with a private ambulance company.

- Firefighter Paramedic Hunter Kyzar, pinned by his father, David Kyzar. Hunter was a lifeguard at Delray Beach and worked as a medical technician at a stem cell infusion center. 

Badge Pinning - Fire Inspectors

- Fire Inspector Michelle Velotta was pinned by Fire Marshal Jennifer Pierce. Not only a fire inspector, she is also a certified firefighter and paramedic.

- Fire Inspector Michael Beirne, pinned by his wife, Robyn. Michael is an experienced Fire Inspector from Massachusetts Fire Department, where he served for 27 years.

- Fire Inspector Luis DeMoya was pinned by his mother, Ivania Schmucker. Luis served eight years as a permit and processing clerk for the City of Doral and the Village of Key Biscayne. 

Promotion Pinnings - Engineer

- Engineer Paramedic Matthew Lund, pinned by his wife Chelsea and children Jagger and Gemma. Matt served the department for ten years and is a Rescue Diver.

- Engineer Paramedic Brad Underwood, pinned by his Captain Eddie Cabal. Brad served the department for ten years and is a Hazardous Materials Technician, Rescue Diver and Boat Operator.

Promotion Pinnings - Captain

- Captain Paramedic Albert Munoz, pinned by his mother Ana Munoz. He served the department for 19 years. He is a Hazardous Materials Technician, Rescue Diver and Boat Operator.

-Captain Jeffrey Kutzke, pinned by his wife Lauren and children, Klayton and Miles. Jeff is a second-generation firefighter growing up in the firehouse. He served the department for 11 years and is a Rescue Diver and Boat Operator. 

Badge Pinning - Chief Officers 

- Fire Marshall Jennifer Pierce was pinned by husband Sean. She served as Assistant Chief/Fire Marshall for the City of Clermont, Florida and has 28 years experience in fire prevention. She was Florida Fire Marshall of the Year for her accomplishments and contributions to fire and life safety.

- Deputy Chief Matt Marshall, pinned by his wife Celena, with children Laci, Macklin and Noah. Matt was a Battalion Chief with the City of Cape Coral Fire Rescue Department where he served for 17 years. He was a member of the USAR Task Force 6 and served in rescue efforts at the Surfside Condominium collapse. 

Retirement Announcement

Division Chief Jeff Kutzke Senior will be retiring in April. He received a special award honoring his 34 years with the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department. He joined the Department in 1989 after serving as a Volunteer Firefighter and rose through the ranks to Division Chief - Shift Commander of A shift. He managed the department's fleet and is a prominent member of the apparatus specification committee.

The next award went to the Fireman of the Year. Dohm noted that it is given each year to a fireman who is recognized for their exemplary service. “This year is no exception as we had three very worthy candidates for this award, however one continued to rise to the top,” said Dohm.

Chief Byrne explained why this person was chosen for this honor. As Hurricane Ian was just off the Marco Island’s coast, Fire Rescue was deployed to recon the south end of the island and Goodland to report conditions to the Emergency Operations Center. The Department’s only high-water capable vehicle was sent out. The Captain reported that Goodland was experiencing rapidly rising waters and that numerous residents were at risk of being overcome by floodwaters. Firefighters walked through rising water in excess of four feet to assist 12 residents (and dogs) to a vehicle where they were loaded and taken to a staging area at Marco Island Academy. There they were met by police and firefighters and further transported to a safe location. They returned three additional times rescuing a total of 35 people and pets. The captain reported the flood water was approaching their windshield at approximately seven feet, and with an increasing current the vehicle was being pushed off the road. He noted all residents who wanted to leave Goodland had been evacuated and that Goodland was no longer accessible. At that time, the high-water vehicle was reassigned to parts of Marco Island, which was now also experiencing flooding. There the Captain and crew rescued another 13 people. 

Chief Byrne recognized this crew: Firefighter Paramedic Gabe Sigler, Engineer Ken Stenback, Firefighter Paramedic Steve Gaskill, Firefighter Paramedic Juan Cabezas, Firefighter Paramedic Tony Santovenia and Marco Island Police Officers Josh Ferris and Will Prigge. Each will receive a Letter of Commendation in recognition of their life saving performance. In honor of the leadership exhibited during this rescue effort, leading his personnel, keeping them safe all while successfully rescuing those in peril, the 2022 Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation Firefighter of the Year is Captain Paramedic Jeffrey Kutzke.

In a brief acceptance speech Jeffrey further explained the events of the day, claiming he couldn’t have done it alone. He humbly thanked his crew and mentioned police officers who assisted were a huge asset to the response. He thanked the whole crew on duty and said it was an effort by everyone. Jeffrey mentioned Chief Corey and his own father for running the entire operation. “It was special to call in and talk to my dad who was on command,” said Kutzke. The entire award presentation was made even more memorable by Division Chief Kutzke Senior’s upcoming retirement.