Today, I had the honor of speaking at the @Southcom Patriot’s Day event, as well as the 25th Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, joining our community in reflecting on the lives lost and the bravery, courage and sacrifice shown 25 years ago. During the Remembrance Ceremony, it was especially meaningful to recognize my friend, retired @MiamiDadeFire Chief Robert Suarez, who deployed to New York with #FLTF1 to support search and rescue efforts following the attacks. His service is a powerful reminder of the selflessness and commitment of those who stepped forward when our nation needed them most. As Fire Chief, carrying forward the legacy of those who served, including Chief Suarez, while honoring the memory of those we lost is a responsibility I hold close to my heart. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today was a difficult day for our community, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. I want to acknowledge the efforts of our @miamidadefire personnel and the first responders who worked alongside us during today’s response. We remain committed to supporting our community and our partners as the investigation and recovery efforts move forward.

Early this morning, members of Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) and Florida Task Force 2 (#FLTF2) returned home after supporting the @StateDept humanitarian mission in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. There are moments that remind us why we train for years, why we answer the call without hesitation, and why service reaches far beyond the uniform. For the members of FL-TF1 and FL-TF2, this mission meant leaving their own families behind to stand beside families whose lives changed in an instant. To many Venezuelans, both in their homeland and here in South Florida, these responders became a symbol of hope during one of life’s darkest moments. In Venezuela, they searched through devastation, worked shoulder to shoulder with local and international responders, and never lost sight of the people behind every search. They witnessed unimaginable loss, extraordinary resilience, and a community coming together, refusing to give up. Today, they return home to the families who patiently waited for them, carrying stories they will never forget and the privilege of having served when they were needed most. Welcome home, FL-TF1 and FL-TF2. Miami-Dade is proud of you. South Florida is proud of you. Thank you for showing the world what compassion, courage, and service look like. @usembassyve

With increased beach activity expected this weekend, I had the opportunity to visit @miamidadefire’s Ocean Rescue team and see their dedication firsthand. I’m proud of the work they do every day to help keep residents and visitors safe as they enjoy our county-operated beaches.

Yesterday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue hosted a traditional push-in ceremony to place Tanker 71 into service at its new home, Eureka Fire Station 71. The ceremony marked the addition of this specialized apparatus, which will strengthen firefighting and emergency response capabilities in southwestern Miami-Dade County. In keeping with fire service tradition, firefighters and guests, led by @MayorDaniella and @MDFRChief Ray Jadallah, joined together to push Tanker 71 into the station by hand. This time-honored ritual, which dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire apparatus, symbolizes the beginning of service to the community. The addition of Tanker 71 reflects Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring the department remains prepared to serve the county’s growing communities.

On behalf of @MiamiDadeFire, our hearts are with the families, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the tragic loss of these three wildland firefighters. This call to service creates a bond unlike any other, and when one of us is lost, we all feel it. We honor their service.

Proud of the men and women of @MiamiDadeFire who have kept fans, visitors and our community safe during the World Cup matches. It’s an honor to serve during this global event and to see our team represent Miami-Dade with professionalism, pride and dedication.

Earlier today, the men and women of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) boarded a plane and began their mission to Venezuela. Departing from Homestead Air Reserve Base with the support of @Southcom, they carry with them far more than specialized training and equipment. They carry compassion, hope, and commitment to stand beside those facing unimaginable hardship. Behind every member of this team is a family they have hugged goodbye so they can answer the call of someone in need. That is the true meaning of service. We could not be more proud of these extraordinary men and women. When disaster strikes, they don’t ask who needs help or where they are from, they are simply ready to respond and ready to serve. Their courage and selflessness remind us that humanity has no borders, and that sometimes the greatest act of kindness is simply showing up when someone needs you most. From South Florida, second home to the largest Venezuelan population outside of South America, we ask that you keep all first responders in your thoughts as they represent our community with honor, compassion, and hope.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue (#USAR) Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) has been officially activated by the U.S. Department of State as a response team to assist with search and rescue efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. From the moment we learned of this tragedy, our team has remained on standby, ready to respond. Many in our community have family, friends, and loved ones in Venezuela, making this mission especially meaningful. We deploy with one purpose: to provide hope and help those affected during this difficult time. The task force consists of an 80-member Type I Urban Search and Rescue team, including six canine teams, to support ongoing search operations. The highly specialized team includes experts across 19 functional areas, including command and control, technical search, structural assessment and stabilization, planning and technical information, advanced medical care, hazardous materials mitigation, tactical communications, logistics, safety, and technical rescue.

Thank you State Rep. @OmarBlancoFL for your continuous support. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) remains fully prepared and stands ready to respond and assist if official orders to deploy are received.

Over the past 10 days, @MiamiDadeFire, @FLForestService, @USWFS, local, state, & federal partners worked as one team to battle & contain the nearly 30,000-acre brush fires in West Miami-Dade. Thank you for your dedication, resilience, & commitment to protecting our community.

It's been five years, and I continue to be inspired by the strength and resilience of the survivors and families impacted by the Champlain Towers South collapse. It is always an honor to come together to remember and stand with a community that continues healing.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue thanks elected state officials for visiting today to learn more about the ongoing brush fire response efforts in West Miami-Dade. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss current conditions, response operations, and the coordination taking place between #MDFR, the Florida Forest Service, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and other partner agencies. We also discussed current response efforts, community impacts, and ways to continue supporting residents as firefighting operations progress. We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we continue responding to this incident. @SenatorAMR @FLRepAristide @FabianBasabeFL @OmarBlancoFL @RepChambliss @JuanPorrasFL @RepMikeRedondo @TeamAlexRizo

THANK YOU to the heroic men and women of @MiamiDadeFire for fighting these blazes and protecting our fellow Floridians. We are forever grateful to those who run towards the danger when others run away from it. To those in the vicinity, please stay alert and heed all directions from local government and emergency officials. nbcmiami.com/news/local/3-wi…

This morning, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue joined Florida Chief Financial Officer @GovGoneWild at the #MDFR Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Florida Task Force 1 (FL-TF1) Training Site in Miami for a hurricane preparedness press conference. Joined by @MDFRChief Ray Jadallah, @MiamiDadeEM Assistant Director Jesse Spearo, @MiamiDade_SO @Sheriff_Rosie and State Representative @OmarBlancoFL, CFO Ingoglia emphasized the importance of preparing before a storm by reviewing insurance coverage, protecting important documents, securing homes and properties, and having a plan in place. MDFR's USAR team plays a critical role in disaster response and recovery efforts. Specially trained personnel provide search and rescue operations, disaster communications, medical support, damage assessments, and coordination of relief supply distribution following major emergencies and natural disasters.

As we enter the third operational day of the 172 Fire, @MiamiDadeFire remains on scene alongside @MiamiDadeEM and our public safety partners. We continue monitoring conditions and working to protect nearby communities.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue continues assisting @FlForestService (FFS) under a unified command structure with the 172 Fire in Southeast Miami-Dade. According to FFS, the fire has affected 300 acres and is 50% contained. Air Rescue has been supporting firefighting efforts from above, conducting water drops, while crews remain on the ground to protect nearby communities and mitigate potential exposures. At this time, there are no threats to nearby structures. As weather conditions change throughout the rest of the day, nearby areas may experience smoky conditions due to shifting winds and expected rain, which may cause smoke to lower closer to the ground and impact visibility. Drivers should use caution, remain alert for changing road conditions, and be prepared for possible road closures. Traffic and road updates are available at FL511.com #MDFR reminds our community to take precautions if smoke impacts your area. Those with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children may be especially sensitive to smoke exposure. Stay indoors when possible and set home and vehicle A/C systems to recirculate.

On behalf of @MiamiDadeFire, we extend our deepest condolences to @BrowardSheriff and the family, friends, and colleagues of FF Lepselter. MDFR stands with you in solidarity during this difficult time.

My career in the fire service began as a young cadet, which is why it’s always an honor to welcome the next generation. Congratulations to Cadet Class 2501 on joining the @miamidadefire Cadet Program. We’re proud of your service to our community at such a young age.

Thank you to @repfelrobinson and @OmarBlancoFL for visiting our @MiamiDadeFire firefighters and recognizing their efforts battling the fifth-alarm warehouse fire in Miami Gardens. We appreciate your support.