New firefighters choose Pine Island for the small-town appeal
The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District has hired four new firefighters, as of Nov. 29. Chief Ben Mickuleit said he is very happy with the new crew, as they have a genuine desire for community service as well as the small town draw offered by the island. Jacob D’Ambrosio was in the Navy, where he said he did quite a bit of shipboard firefighting.
“When I got out I wanted to keep serving, so after serving my country, I wanted to serve my community, and the best position for me was getting into the fire service,” D’Ambrosio said, adding that he chose Pine Island for the tight-knit community, with an emphasis on the importance of community relations coupled with the ability to give back.
Bo Busbee has been a firefighter for approximately five years. He started as a volunteer with the Alva Fire Department. He said both his grandfathers were Lee County firefighters, and his father was a policeman.
“Public safety was something that I always wanted to do. I wanted to be a firefighter since I was a little kid,” Busbee said, adding that his father had always told him he was not allowed to follow in his footsteps by going into law enforcement.
Frank Vilchez came from Lee County EMS as a paramedic with two years as a volunteer firefighter under his belt. Formerly pre-med, he said he decided his calling was outdoors, rather than working in the confines of a hospital.
“I wanted a small department where I could get to know everybody, not just the department but the community,” Vilchez said.
Alexander Richardson said this is his first job as a firefighter. He said he chose Pine Island because he enjoys a family feel, not only with his fellow firefighters but also with his community.
“I’ve wanted to be a firefighter since high school. There was an accidental fire alarm and all these firefighters came in and I thought, that’s a cool looking job. It took me some time but I’m really happy to have my dream job,” Richardson said.
“We are very fortunate to have such a good group. They are very community oriented and already love the community,” Mickuleit said, of the new hires.
Their commitment to the community, he said, is already being displayed by their attendance at events. Assistant Chief, Cody Allen said in the time they’ve been on Pine Island they have already shown their dedication.