Melbourne Firefighters Honored During Awards and Promotion Ceremony

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA — The Melbourne Fire Department Awards and Promotional Ceremony was held on February 7 to honor firefighters for their heroism, teamwork, and compassion.

Employees earning promotions were also recognized, and new firefighters were sworn in and formally welcomed to the department.

During the ceremony, Lt. Kevin Hardy, Firefighter Corey Flowers, Firefighter Joshua Gentile, and Firefighter Steven Tickemyer were honored as Firefighters of the Year for 2024 for their heroism in rescuing an elderly woman from a burning apartment.

The incident happened on September 23, and Engine 75 was first on the scene of a structure fire at a garden-style apartment building, where bystanders informed them that an elderly woman was trapped inside her apartment.

Taking command of the incident, Lt. Hardy quickly assessed the situation and coordinated a swift and organized response. Without hesitation, Firefighter Gentile and Firefighter Tickemyer forced entry into the burning, smoke-filled apartment, where they located the unresponsive elderly woman.

Under Lt. Hardy’s leadership, they worked in intense heat and zero visibility to remove her from the hazardous environment. Once she was removed, Firefighter Flowers, acting as Driver Engineer, immediately began providing emergency care by himself while simultaneously pumping the engine.

Other units arrived within minutes and began coordinated efforts, and Health First First Flight soon flew her to the closest burn unit in Orlando.

In a situation where hesitation could have cost a life, this team of firefighters acted with remarkable speed and courage. Lt. Hardy’s command and ability to ensure accountability among his crew were instrumental in the successful rescue.

Their rapid response saved a life, exemplifying the very best of what it means to serve and protect. In addition to being named Firefighters of the Year, they were each presented with a Life-Saving Award and recognized as Firefighters of the Third Quarter.

Firefighter of the 4th Quarter: Firefighter Rodney Calloway was honored as the Firefighter of the Fourth Quarter for demonstrating extraordinary dedication to public service.

While off duty and attending a funeral, he was the first to render aid to a gunshot victim who was pulseless and apneic. Though he was not on duty, Firefighter Calloway quickly provided critical medical care to the patient, stabilizing the situation until the Fire Department arrived.

Even after the on-duty personnel took over, he continued to assist, working seamlessly alongside his colleagues to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. His selflessness, commitment to the community and extraordinary efforts were also recognized with an Honorable Service Award.

Division Chief Clark Simmons, left, presents a Unit Citation to Firefighter Cody Denney, center, and Driver Engineer Branden Phillips.

Unit Citations

Driver Engineer Christopher Flamm, Driver Engineer Patrick Milbocker, Firefighter Cody Denney, and Driver Engineer Branden Phillips received a Unit Citation for their efforts that helped save the elderly woman who had been rescued from the burning apartment by Engine 75.

They played a vital role in ensuring the patient’s survival by delivering advanced life support at the scene. Engine 73’s crew, consisting of Driver Engineer Branden Phillips, Firefighter Cody Denney, and Driver Engineer Patrick Milbocker, worked in unison, stabilizing the patient and providing lifesaving treatment.

They were supported by Tower 71’s Driver Engineer Christopher Flamm who assisted with lifesaving efforts and prepared the patient for air transport to a specialized burn unit in Orlando.

Division Chief Simmons, left, presents a Unit Citation to Firefighter Birney Boehland, center, and Firefighter Gavin Fox.

Lt. Stephen Vallante, Firefighter Birney Boehland, Firefighter Gavin Fox and Firefighter Tristan Meier received a Unit Citation for their selfless actions in caring for a patient and his home.

In October, they provided care to a patient who suffered a severe arm laceration resulting in significant blood loss that affected the floor and furniture within the home. After the patient was transported, they realized that the patient’s elderly neighbors were planning to address the aftermath.

Without hesitation, the crew went above and beyond their call of duty by stepping in to clean the area. For the next 45 minutes, they worked on their hands and knees, scrubbing the floors and ensuring the neighbors would not have to face the emotional and physical burden of the mess.

Their selfless actions ensured the patient could return home to a clean and welcoming environment.

Division Chief Simmons presents a Unit Citation to Firefighter Christopher Marconi, center, and Driver Engineer Branden Phillips.

Driver Engineer Branden Phillips, Firefighter Bailey Costa, Firefighter Christopher Marconi, and Firefighter Joshua Pace were recognized for their outstanding compassion and commitment to excellence.

In October, they responded to an emergency involving a patient who had overexerted himself while cleaning his garage and was experiencing cardiac symptoms. The patient was stabilized and transported to the hospital for treatment. Following the transport, the crew went above and beyond their responsibilities.

Recognizing the concerns of the patient’s wife, they selflessly assisted her and a neighbor in returning the patient’s belongings to the garage. Their compassionate actions provided the family with relief and support during a stressful situation.

Driver Engineer Ryan Case, Firefighter Erik Jones, Firefighter Meagan Marasco, and Firefighter Joshua Pace were recognized for their swift response and coordinated efforts that resulted in the return of a family’s beloved pets.

When Engine 71 responded to a rescue call on Caribbean Drive, the family’s dogs ran out of the home after the patient’s father opened the door. After care was rendered to the patient and upon their transport, the crew took action and began a search and rescue for the runaway dogs. With teamwork and skill they safely corralled the dogs and returned them to their home.

Community Hero Award

Eden Boehland, a remarkable 6-year-old girl, was recognized with a Community Hero Award for demonstrating extraordinary bravery and quick thinking during an emergency.

In January, when Eden saw that her mother, Katelyn Boehland, was experiencing severe difficulty breathing, she called 911 and followed CPR instructions to the best of her ability. Thanks to Eden’s courageous actions and swift response, emergency services arrived in time to assist her mother, leading to a positive outcome.

Despite being understandably shaken, Eden remained focused and determined, showing composure far beyond her years. Eden is a true hero, and her bravery is an inspiration to all. Her mother is incredibly fortunate to have such a resourceful and brave young girl by her side.

Promotions

Jeffrey Darby and Johnny Delaney were promoted to lieutenant.

Patrick Milbocker and Kenneth Bash were promoted to Driver Engineer.

Firefighter Matthew Lovato, Firefighter Steven Tickemyer, Firefighter Meagan Marasco, Firefighter Christopher Marconi, and Firefighter Steven Padilla were recognized for completing their one-year probation.

Lt. Jeffrey Darby is pinned by his father.

Firefighter Meagan Marasco receives her new badge from Chief Bogle.

Fire Chief Chuck Bogle congratulates Firefighter Christopher Marconi on completing probation.

New Firefighters

Giovanni Stanley (left)and Kamden Ireland (right) and were officially sworn in and formally welcomed to the Melbourne Fire Department after completing orientation.

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