The Dunedin City Commission on Nov. 6 held a swearing-in and promotion ceremony for Dunedin Fire Rescue, where five new firefighters were sworn, multiple leaders were promoted, and two firefighters received the departments highest bravery award for a life-saving rescue.

Mayor Maureen Mofrani administered oaths and family members pinned badges for the new hires: Firefighter EMT Rustam Aghanoff, Firefighter EMT Taylor Bird, Firefighter EMT Troy Fowler, Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Smith, and Firefighter EMT Julian Zicuri. Fire Chief Michael Hendoza and commissioners praised the new recruits for joining the department.

The commission also recognized promotions within the department including Division Chief Danny Castillo (Fire Marshal), Deputy Chief Steve Santana, and Chief Mark Zappadoc; the city formally swore in the promoted leaders at the dais.

Chief Hendoza presented the departments highest bravery award to Firefighter Paramedic AJ Gonzalez and Firefighter EMT Mikhaila Bowers for an Oct. 14, 2025 rescue at a single-family residence where the crew entered a burning structure on a confirmed victim report and removed the occupant to safety. Chief Hendoza said the pairs "actions were swift, decisive and heroic," and noted the rescue was accomplished before full suppression resources arrived.

Firefighter Gonzalez said the outcome reflected training and teamwork: "The intersection of us being at the right place at the right time, being trained and ready," Gonzalez said. Bowers credited trust in crew members: "We trust each other and we trust the crews that we work with."

The department played the 911 dispatch audio for the commission and stopped for a short break after recognizing the recipients and their families.

Action recorded: Swearing-in and promotions ceremonial actions; presentation of departmental bravery award to AJ Gonzalez and Mikhaila Bowers.