Monroe County Fire Police Chief RL Colina joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
Colina was recently sworn in as the fire chief for the county.
He said, “It was an amazing day, definitely with my wife being there, my wife was the one who actually pinned me. I can’t speak enough about what it takes, especially in a public safety family. They endure just as much as the person that’s going out there on the street. So I love her tremendously and super proud to be able to represent this county and protect these citizens alongside of Monroe County Fire Rescue. I’m very, very honored. From day one, just I went right back to work.”
Flooding was an issue recently.
Chief Colina said, “Yesterday’s rainfall, it impacts everybody. As Key West, they were going through the those rapid flooding areas, we were quick to be there for them, whatever they needed. We had emergency management with John Rizzo. They were watching everything that was going on, just in case there was any additional resources that were going to be needed. We were there. So there were a lot going on yesterday, but I’ll tell you lot of good systems in place. Key West Fire, Key West PD, Key West Emergency Management, along with Monroe County Emergency Management, they stay on top of those things. We’re very pleased to say that I’m actually in Key West this morning, and everything is, is looking a lot better this morning.”
The outage of the 911 system was also an all hands on deck situation.
Chief Colina said, “It’s so important. And I’ll tell you what, the sheriff’s office does an amazing job of operating our 911 emergency system. They cover more than just police. It is for fire emergency or any type of incidents that occur. It’s our lifeline for responders here in the Florida Keys. But I will tell you, the other lifeline we are you guys. This ability to get the message out, to have those alternate numbers, and so that when people do call 911, and they’re not getting through, or something, a service isn’t working, they know that there’s alternative means of being reached and brothers and sisters in the media definitely are a huge resource for us in the first responder business.”
It’s 100 days before hurricane season is upon us.
Chief Colina said, “We are all looking at it as well. Can’t even believe it. It feels like I just came in from the last one, and we were so excited about it ending. Seems like the seasons are for us, in general, are getting a little bit shorter, but we’re just always prepared. That’s why it’s a year round event for us down here, in preparation for any activity that that we know we potentially may expect.”
Monroe County Fire Rescue saw 11 new firefighters from the Hots Shots program.
Chief Colina said, “We continue to look at strengthening that program and strengthening our members with our local skill set that we have, and we’re very fortunate to have a one of the state recognized fire academies within our own county to provide those resources for our residents and get our people trained.”