Congratulations to Lt. Tony Mauro and Fire Medic Zac James of the Melbourne Fire Department for being the only two individuals complete the 2025 Florida State Fire College Smoke Divers course. Above, left to right, are Instructor and Melbourne Fire Training Chief Payton Jones, Fire Medic Zac James, Lt. Tony Mauro, Instructor and Melbourne Fire Driver Medic Patrick Milbocker, and Instructor and Palm Bay Fire Department Fire Medic Steve White. (Melbourne Fire Department Image)
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Congratulations to Lt. Tony Mauro and Fire Medic Zac James of the Melbourne Fire Department for being the only two participants to complete the 2025 Florida State Fire College Smoke Divers course.
The 30-hour course hailed as the first of its kind in the United States was crammed into one week so that students could get maximum participation in minimum time.
The course was developed after William E. Clark, Fire College director, studied smoke diver programs during a visit to Sweden and Denmark.
European smoke divers are elite groups selected for experience and stamina and given intensified special training. They are the only firefighters assigned to do interior firefighting under heavy smoke conditions.
The Melbourne Fire Department is a designated ISO Class 1 department, placing it among the nation’s top 1% of fire departments and the top 10% of fire departments in Florida. It was the first fire department in Brevard County to receive a Class 1 rating.
The Melbourne Fire Department serves the city of Melbourne, Florida, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention programs.
Located in Brevard County, MFD plays a critical role in protecting the lives and property of the city’s residents, businesses, and visitors.
Key Features of the Melbourne Fire Department
■ Stations & Coverage: The department operates multiple fire stations strategically placed throughout Melbourne to ensure quick response times.
■ Emergency Services: MFD provides fire suppression, advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services, technical rescue operations, and hazardous materials response.
■ Personnel & Training: Firefighters and paramedics undergo extensive training, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle a wide range of emergency situations.
■ Community Outreach: The department engages in public education programs, fire safety inspections, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
■ Mutual Aid Agreements: MFD collaborates with neighboring fire departments and emergency agencies to enhance regional response capabilities.
The Melbourne Fire Department is committed to protecting lives and property through prompt, professional, and effective emergency services, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
