WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (October 22, 2020) – West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James and West Palm Beach Fire Department (WPBFD) Chief Diana J. Matty congratulate the recipients of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ Firefighter Awards. The Chamber’s annual Firefighter Awards program honors both West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County firefighters for their courage and dedication to keeping our community safe. The event was held virtually on October 22, 2020.

Chamber Chair Rick Reikenis Presented the ‘Outstanding Community Service’ Award to the WPBFD Honor Guard

West Palm Beach Firefighter (FF) Patryk Mierzejewski received the Chambers’ ‘Firefighter of the Year Award.’ Nominated by his peers, FF Mierzejewski was recognized for taking on additional responsibilities and going ‘above and beyond’ in his role:

• Volunteering his services to anyone needing help, whether he was on duty or off-duty.
• Mentoring new firefighters to ensure they stay optimally fit, skilled and able, which is key during their formative years.
• Taking the lead on his platoon to train marine unit personnel at Fire Station 1, which enables WPBFD to maintain proficiency in marine rescue.
• Using his personal time to coordinate this year’s 9/11 stair climb.
• Using his personal time to participate in additional training and, then, to share that knowledge to train other department members.
• Having a great attitude regardless of circumstances.

Nominated by Chief Diana Matty, the WPBFD Honor Guard was also honored by the Chamber and presented with the ‘Community Service Award.’ Honor Guard Members include: Cpt. Walter Gavin, Lt. Brett Koning, Lt. Edgar Valbuena, FF Randle Temple, FF Jacqueline Clegg, FF Javier Espinosa, FF Steven McGee, FF Austin Wilkinson, FF Michael Tardiff, D/E Michael Almeida, D/E Yaniel Del Rosario. The Honor Guard represents WPBFD at funerals honoring fallen firefighters, parades and ceremonies.

“I wish to congratulate both West Palm Beach Firefighter Patryk Mierzejewski and the West Palm Beach Fire Department’s Honor Guard team for receiving such wonderful awards from the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “These recognitions are well-deserved, and I could not be prouder of these individuals. I thank them for their extraordinary service to our city, and I thank the Chamber for recognizing these outstanding WPBFD team members.”

WPBFD works to reduce the level of risk to life, property and the environment through technology of fire suppression, emergency response, emergency medical transportation, fire inspection, public education, and community outreach. The WPBFD’s 230 employees work out of nine fire stations, cover a 55+ sq. mi. area, and annually respond to over 27,000 calls for service. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. To call the WPBFD for non-emergency purposes, please dial: (561) 804-4700.