LTC 288-2024 Fire Department Promotion of Deputy Fire ChiefM IAM I BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO.LTC#LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City
Commission
Rickele Williams,Interim City Manager f()
July 12,2024
Fire Department Promotion of Deputy Fire Chief
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to announce the promotion of Division
Chief Jorge Linares.With the recent appointment of Fire Chief Digna Abella,Division
Chief Jorge Linares will be promoted to Deputy Fire Chief.With over 24 years of
dedicated service,Chief Linares has been an invaluable asset to the Miami Beach Fire
Department.Since 2000,his journey from Firefighter to Division Chief of Rescue
exemplifies his dedication,expertise,and steadfast commitment to our community.
Chief Linares brings a wealth of administrative and technical knowledge to the
organization.Under his leadership,the Rescue Division successfully audited and
procured a new medical billing contract,resulting in significant cost savings for the
Department.His ability to secure substantial grants from both the State of Florida Health
Department and federal Medicaid/Medicare funds through the Public Emergency
Medical Transportation (PEMT)program further underscores his fiscal acumen and
resourcefulness.
Beyond his financial and operational successes,Chief Linares has demonstrated a
forward-thinking approach to training and preparedness.He established a cutting-edge
curriculum for paramedic personnel in collaboration with the American Red Cross,
ensuring employees receive advanced in-house emergency medical training.
Additionally,his coordination of a full-scale active shooter mass casualty exercise with
the Miami-Dade County Public School System Police Department and Miami Beach
Police Department has significantly enhanced the Department's readiness for future
threats.His latest achievement,the 2023 Mission:Lifeline EMS Silver Level Recognition
Award,Heart Attack honor roll highlights his commitment to excellence in heart attack
and stroke care.
Chief Linares holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Barry University
and is an active member of both the Florida Fire Chief's Association and the Fire
Officer's Association of Miami-Dade County EMS Committee.His ability to take decisive
action,exercise sound judgment,provide effective leadership,and be sensitive to the
needs of his team makes him exceptionally qualified for this role.
Chief Linares will serve the City of Miami Beach Fire Department as a Deputy Fire Chief
with honor,professionalism,loyalty,and dedication.
Should you have any questions,please feel free to contact Fire Chief Digna Abella.
288-2024