Margate Fire Department Life Support Team Rates High in Competition

by David Volz December 10, 2024

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Margate Fire Department Life Support Team Rates High in Competition

Lieutenant Yoany Batista, Firefighter Sierra Leon-Jarjoura, and Lieutenant Charlie Gandia. {City of Margate}

The Margate Fire Department Advance Life Support team finished second out of 18 teams in the Florida Cup for overall performance in a series of competitions.

According to Vito Labriola, division fire chief, they were evaluated in simulated real-life emergencies with many victims and distractions. One example was a house fire with multiple victims, where the competitors would have to set up triage for the victims, assess, and provide treatment.

Another scenario was an active shooter in a densely populated area or a severe vehicle crash with multiple vehicles and victims, according to Labriola.

The team members are extensively trained and considered experienced and skilled fire rescue professionals. The team participated in eight competitions during 2024. “They took challenging situations, and they are eager to prove themselves. They are committed to being the best fire rescue professionals they can be,” said Labriola.

The team members include Charles Gandia, Yomy Batista, and Sierra Leon-Jarjoura. The team is preparing for the upcoming year. According to Labriola, the next competition will be on January 6 in Orlando.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.