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Jupiter installs five senior officers as town builds its new fire department
Summary
Town of Jupiter held a swearing-in ceremony to install three battalion chiefs and two captains for the newly formed Jupiter Fire Rescue; Fire Chief Daryl Donato said the department aims to have stations, apparatus and personnel in place by June 1 (date in transcript not specified).
Deputy Chief Steve Shaw welcomed officials, firefighters and family members to a swearing-in ceremony for five new leaders at Jupiter Fire Rescue on behalf of the mayor, town council and town manager.
The ceremony formalized appointments for three battalion chiefs — Jason Bohan, Jason Sekula and Michael Stallings — and two captains, Kyle Foley and Matthew Keeler. Fire Chief Daryl Donato framed the event as part of a larger effort to "build[] a fire department from a blank slate," saying the town is establishing the foundation for stations, apparatus and personnel.
"We're building a fire department from a blank slate," Donato said, adding that the department expects to have its stations, apparatus and personnel in place "by June 1" (phrase in transcript: "by June 1 year"). The chief emphasized that equipment and buildings alone do not make a department and that people and leadership define it.
The introductions summarized each leader's career experience. Donato noted that Jason Bohan brings more than 26 years of service and deployments with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2; Jason Sekula has more than 22 years including special-operations and hazardous-materials response; Michael Stallings has roughly three decades with Orlando Fire Rescue; Kyle Foley served with Jacksonville Fire Rescue and USAR Task Force 5; and Matthew Keeler has 26 years at Boynton Beach Fire Rescue and has served as director of EMS at Palm Beach State College.
Before the oath, Deputy Chief Michael DeStefano read the firefighter's creed, underscoring values of service, professionalism and ethical conduct. Donato administered the oath of office; the newly sworn leaders and assembled attendees recited promises to "faithfully discharge" duties and to uphold "code and ordinances," fairness, honesty and ethical conduct.
Family members were invited to pin badges and join the new leaders for photographs; refreshments were made available in the community room after the ceremony. Deputy Chief Shaw closed the event by thanking attendees for their support.
No votes or formal council actions were recorded during the ceremony.
