Jumpline MAG_Sum_Fall 2025 - Flipbook - Page 41
Michael Vallone, Ret.
The Retiree Affairs Committee
It can be a bittersweet time; you’ve given your blood,
sweat, and tears, as well as your mind, body, and soul to
this endeavor called Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. And it is
a glorious journey, but now that door closes a new one
opens. It’s called retirement! The 2024 retirees celebrated that change with an event on March 1, 2025. Dinner,
drinks, music, celebration, revelry, speeches, war-stories,
and chatter amongst the retirees and their celebrants,
some of whom have not been seen in years, cap the highlights of the event. But most importantly, there are thoughts
of stepping through the door from the past to the future. Its
an exciting time but can be scary also. Trepidation and caution for
some, and 昀氀ying on the wind for others. Either way it’s an exciting time. Common amongst the retirees is the accumulation of life
experience, knowledge, and maturity gained through the years.
There are wounds, scares, and healing. The retirees are certainly
not the probies of long ago. The retiree affairs committee worked
diligently putting together a wonderful event at the Fire Tower. The
event was impeccable and exquisite, food delicious.
Kudos to Heidi Bradley, Saylin Paez, and Yumanela Candelaria, as well as master of ceremonies Rick Ramirez. Eric
Goodman was capturing all the moments on his camera, like an
eagle. Retiree class of 2024 consisted of 40 people from the ranks
CFO’s to dispatchers and all in between. Not all retirees could
attend the event, but many, and their supporters, and family did.
Retirees from other years also attended the event to bid their former comrades farewell and good luck. Union President William
McAllister and Fire Chief Raied Jadallah gave heartfelt speeches.
Chaplain Errol Johnson spoke of the spiritual, giving a blessing to
all. The DJ played an eclectic blend of music that had the attendees grooving on the dance 昀氀oor. A common theme amongst the attendees was: travel, travel, travel! Some have already begun their
journeys. Others are planning trips to throughout the continental
US, others the western hemisphere, and some have plans to travel the world. A few retirees have residences far from Miami-Dade
where they live part time. It seems regardless of where they go,
they always come back to the US. A long running tradition in the
昀椀re service is to present the retiree with a decorative ceremonial
axe. Each retiree received their axe, full size, mounted on walnut
stained wood, and adorned with a small plaque. It is a 昀椀tting memento signifying one of the greatest public services a person can
give to their community and fellow 昀椀re昀椀ghters.
Service Recognition
Left to right:
CFO J. Richard
Lt. E. Rodriguez
Lt. J. Kerlin
Lt. R. Marques
F/F O. Cuartes
FC R. Jadallah
all 25 years except O. Cuartes; 30 years.
Summer/Fall 2025 | JUMPLINE Magazine
41
