Item B3 B3
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE i Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern James K.Scholl,District 3
Craig Cates,District 1
Michelle Lincoln,District 2
' David Rice,District 4
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
August 21, 2024
Agenda Item Number: B3
2023-2864
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Fire Rescue
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: James K. Callahan
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Presentation of Award to Capt. Kevin Freestone, of Tow Boat US.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
See attached.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
N/A
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
Recognition of Capt Kevin Freestone.docx
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
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August 7, 2024
On behalf of the Monroe County Board of County Commission, Monroe County Fire Rescue
would like to recognize Capt. Kevin Freestone, of Tow Boat US, for his rapid selfless actions
and assistance.
On July 8, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Monroe County Fire Rescue was alerted to
respond to a boating incident in the proximity of the South Channel Bridge on Big Pine Key.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a boat with eight (8) people onboard, including children, that had
struck the bridge and was still in the water. The crew secured the boat to the bridge; however,
the boat was sinking. Firefighters used a 14' ladder to board the boat and evacuated the five (5)
patients who were able to walk.
Due to the need for a waterborne transport, Capt. Freestone was notified and immediately
responded by boat. He transported the three (3) seriously injured patients from the boat to a
nearby marina, where Fire Rescue personnel were staged. These seriously injured patients
were transported by Trauma Star and Air Rescue South to a specialty medical center on the
mainland.
As a result of Capt. Freestone's rapid response, knowledge of the waters, and act of
selflessness,
Monroe County Fire Rescue was able to effectively transport these patients. Capt. Freestone
has assisted others in the past responding to multiple incidents and continues to place himself
in the position of helping and protecting the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys.
Thanks to Capt. Kevin Freestone's continued dedication to the community, he is being
presented with the first Monroe County Fire Rescue S.A.F.E.R. award, which acknowledges
those individuals that exemplify "Selfless Actions For Emergency Responses."
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