Key Biscayne honors Chief Eric Lang as Joseph Fernandez is sworn in as fire chief

Key Biscayne held a change-of-command ceremony in which Chief Eric Lang retired after 32 years of service and Joseph (Joe) Fernandez was sworn in as the village's new fire chief.

Mayor Joe Rosco opened remarks praising Lang's long tenure and the department's accomplishments, saying the village would "build on the legacy" Lang leaves and that the retiring chief "has set a very high standard." The mayor credited the department with improved accreditation and response performance and welcomed Fernandez's leadership.

In an invocation and a series of tributes, community leaders and colleagues described Lang as a local who helped shape the department since the village's early years. Jean Stern, invited to speak by Lang, recalled the village's incorporation and said the community became "a model for communities all over Dade County" in part because of local leadership.

Retiring Chief Eric Lang reflected on his career and thanked family, colleagues and the community. He asked attendees to support firefighters facing hardship and said the department would establish "a hardship fund for firefighters" to assist members with medical and personal crises. He also noted recent personnel moves: "over the last couple years, we've hired and promoted 25 people," and he said he expected "six more" promotions following the transition.

Village Manager Steve Williamson administered the oath of office to Joseph (Joe) Fernandez and the traditional pinning followed. Fernandez, who previously served in leadership roles with the city of Miami and Broward County agencies, pledged to "preserve all the accomplishments previously attained" and to lead with "integrity, courage, and unwavering dedication." He thanked predecessors, colleagues and family and said he was honored to assume command.

The ceremony closed with a prayer by Father JC and the playing of "Amazing Grace," after which organizers announced a reception. Organizers and speakers emphasized continuity, community support for public safety personnel and a desire to build on the department's recent gains.

Next steps: Fernandez will take up official duties as chief and the village will follow through on internal steps described at the ceremony, including personnel promotions and the planned hardship fund.