Fort Lauderdale, FL - On January 12th and 13th 2021, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services promoted 17 personnel to various ranks as the agency continues to grow in size while remaining to combat attrition of retiring employees. Fire Chief Gregory Holness awarded each individual their new brass ensemble and provided each with a personalized inspirational speech.

Of the 17, three noteworthy promotions included Driver Engineer Garth Bonner and Driver Engineer Gabriel Castillo, each promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Both employees were part of a recent merger with the City of Hallandale Beach which was completed on January 4th, 2020. They are the first former Hallandale Beach employees to be promoted since the completion of the merger.

The third noteworthy promotion is that of Driver Engineer Michael Korte, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Michael has served BSFR is many capacities. At 14 years of age, Michael was a member of the very first BSFR Explorer class in 2000. Then as a professional firefighter, Michael became a fire inspector before being promoted to Driver Engineer in 2000. Michael’s inspiration came from his father, Battalion Chief Richard Korte who was an active duty member of the agency until his passing in 1999.

Promoted personnel include:

-Captain Bruce Young promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief
-Lieutenant Jose Perez promoted to the rank of Captain
-Driver Engineer Gabriel Castillo promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer John Muilman promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Firefighter Carlos Berreras promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Firefighter Robert Johnson III promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer Raymond Aguillera promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer Ryan O’ Malley promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer Michael Korte promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer Daniel Snyder promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer Carlos De La O promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Driver Engineer Garth Bonner promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Firefighter Randy Chidester promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
-Firefighter Kelli Owens promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer
-Firefighter Jonathan Adams promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer
-Firefighter Justin Hunter promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer
-Firefighter Danny Joseph promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer