By-Line: Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Fire Public Information Officer
The Palm Coast Fire Department is welcoming five new firefighters to the team. The addition of these vital personnel reinforces the department’s commitment to excellence and ensures the future of fire service in Palm Coast.
Since August 2024, Kylee Burns, Jesus Cordova, Andrew Dills, Mark Paraskiv, and Zayne Smith have officially joined the ranks. These new firefighters were honored in a special ceremony at the Palm Coast Community Center, where they were proudly pinned by their loved ones.
“This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling,” said Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. “We’re not just adding firefighters; we’re welcoming new family members. These men and women are stepping up to serve our community with courage and dedication, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The new hires are part of the department’s long-term succession plan, ensuring that Palm Coast remains well-prepared for the future. As these new firefighters begin their journey, they carry forward the proud tradition of family, loyalty, and integrity that defines the Palm Coast Fire Department.
In addition to recognizing new members, the Fire Department honored firefighters for their heroic, life-saving efforts. Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Lieutenant Jeremy Barton, and Firefighter Osvaldo Sene were awarded the CPR Life Saving Awards. Fire Chief Berryhill, joined by CPR survivor Mr. Andrew Bekas—who suffered a cardiac arrest at Holland Park in August 2024—proudly presented the CPR Life Saving Award Ribbons. Additionally, Lieutenant Joseph Fajardo, Christopher Cottle, and Junior Firefighter James Robles were recognized with the CPR Life Saving Awards. They also received a heartfelt letter from CPR survivor Ms. Patricia Baker, who was unable to attend but expressed deep gratitude to the firefighters who saved her life.
In addition to the firefighter awards, community members Krystal DeWind, Steve Flanagan, Kathy Lewis, Phorn Moeuy, Scott Nicoll, and Christina Vilay were also recognized for life-saving efforts and performing CPR that resulted in the saving the lives of Mr. Andrew Bekas and Ms. Patricia Baker.
