City Names New Fire Chief
Sep 08, 2011 - Fire Department, Mayor's Office
Carlos Cabrera becomes first Hispanic Chief in City’s History
West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio has appointed Assistant Chief Carlos Cabrera to the position of Fire Chief. The City Commission confirmed the appointment making Chief Cabrera the first Hispanic Fire chief in the city’s history.
Mayor Muoio selected Cabrera for his strong record of service and extensive experience, “Carlos has been with the department for over 20 years and has earned the respect of his coworkers and many in our community. He has been an outstanding firefighter and will be an outstanding Chief.”
Chief Cabrera says he will work hard to continue the tradition of excellence established by the department, “Photographs of past Chiefs hang on a wall in station number one. To be in their company and to have the opportunity to serve this community by leading a dedicated and professional team of men and women is a true honor.”
A brief biography of Chief Cabrera
Born in Chicago IL. Moved to West Palm Beach as a child in 1969.
Joined West Palm Beach Fire Department in 1989.
Promoted to EMS Lieutenant 2002. Promoted to Operations Captain 2004. Promoted to Battalion Chief in 2006. Promoted to Assistant Chief in 2009. Awards include: Firefighter of the Year 2005 and Paramedic of the Year 2005.
Graduate of PBCC Paramedic Program and State of Florida Paramedic since 1993. AS degree from PBCC in Emergency Medical Services 2009. Graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach program 2009
Married to Karin Cabrera for 29 Years. Three sons Christopher, David (wife Jennifer, Granddaughter Riley), and Scott (wife Ashley, Grandson Mason).
Memberships:
Palm Beach County Fire Chiefs Association
International Association of Fire Chiefs
City of West Palm Beach Fire Chief to Retire
May 09, 2011 - Fire Department, Mayor's Office
City of West Palm Beach Fire Chief Phillip Webb has announced he will retire on May 27 and accept the city’s voluntary separation program offer which was extended to all employees as part of the effort to reduce expenses.
Chief Webb thanked City firefighters for their dedication, “It has been an honor to work next to you and to serve with you as your Chief. Many lives have been saved and will continue to be saved as a result of your dedication and ability. I have decided to retire at this time in order to pursue other opportunities and to spend more time with my family.”
Mayor Jeri Muoio praised Chief Webb’s accomplishments, “Phil Webb has been a distinguished public servant in West Palm Beach for over 26 years. I thank him for his service to the community and for his contributions as Chief to the department.I will miss him as will his fellow firefighters.”
Mayor Muoio has named Assistant Chief Carlos Cabrera, a veteran of the department since 1989, as acting chief.
Chief Webb started with the department in September, 1984 and was named Fire Chief in October of 2008.
WPB Firefighters To “Hang Out” on Phillips Point
Jun 30, 2009 - 4th on Flagler, Community Events, Fire Department, Mayor's Office
Firefighters to Practice Their 4th of July Rappel Down New Building
WHO: City of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue Department
WHAT: Practice Run of Rappel & Flag Unfurling for 4th on Flagler
If you see WPB firefighters hanging off the side of Phillips Point, there is no need for alarm and there is no emergency. The City’s firefighters will simply be practicing their annual 4th on Flagler rappel and flag unfurling at a new location.
The 4th on Flagler event site has moved slightly south this year along Flagler Drive due to construction of the new West Palm Beach waterfront project. The 2009 event site will be on Flagler Drive from Fern Street to Lakeview Avenue, with additional activities in Trinity Park.
Due to the move, WPB firefighters had to relocate their unique 4th on Flagler tradition to Phillips Point, where guests can watch the firefighters unfurl a giant four-story high American flag as they rappel down the building. After the flag unfurl, all guests are then invited to salute our country and pledge allegiance to the flag. The management team at Phillips Point has been more than happy to host the firefighters this year as they become familiar with their new location and try a few practice runs before the big night on the 4th of July.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Phillips Point Building, 777 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
**Firefighters will rappel down the East Tower, on the north side of the building. Reporters and photographers can view the rappel and flag unfurling from Trinity Park.**
FUN FACTS:
This is the 7th year the City of West Palm Beach Firefighters have unfurled the giant flag.
It takes a total of 8 firefighters to safely rappel and unfurl the giant flag.
The firefighters will use approximately 1500 feet of rope for the rappel and flag unfurl.
The firefighters will practice approximately 10 times on three different days before the event.
The giant flag is 50 feet long, which is approximately four stories high.
WPB to Offer Citizen Police and Fire Academy
Dec 19, 2008 - Fire Department, Mayor's Office
(Friday, December 19, 2008) West Palm Beach residents hoping to learn more about public safety and get involved in their City government have an exciting new opportunity.
The West Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue Departments will be offering a 13-week Citizen Police and Fire Academy to the public. Space is limited, so sign up today! The classes will be on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting January 26, 2009. The class will meet at the Police Department on Banyan Boulevard.
The academy will immerse students in every area of both the Police and Fire Rescue departments. Activities will include a four-hour police ride along, fire station tours and demonstrations of the latest public safety technology. The course provides lessons in police and fire work that the average citizen rarely has an opportunity to experience.
To register for this exciting course, call Officer Kelly Carsillo at 561-822-1620.
Teens Battle Live Fire in only Firefighter Camp on the East Coast
Apr 09, 2008 - Fire Department, Mayor's Office
What: 5th Annual Firestorm Teen Camp Media Day Live Fire Exercise
When: Thursday April 10, 2008, 11AM
Where: Fire Station # 2 , 4301 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
Teenagers attending “Firestorm,” a week-long firefighting camp, will battle smoke and flames as part of an exercise donning full gear and engaging an authentic structure fire rescue situation.
One of the only camps of it’s type in the U.S., Firestorm training for teens aged 14-19 teaches authentic techniques such as Aerial Climb & Rappel Drill, Extrication, Search & Rescue, Surface Water Rescue and more. 38 students are attending this years classes.
Firestorm is the only teen fire camp on the east coast, and has been a great success for West Palm Beach Fire Rescue. Teens learn and experience a vast array of first responder training, learning about teamwork and responsibility in the process.