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Fire Department
Overview
The Miami Fire Department (MFD) provides fire suppression services, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation at the operations level, and rescue technician level services within the City of Miami's 45-square-mile response area.
The MFD came into existence as a volunteer fire department in 1905, and was established as a full-time paid department in 1910. Jess Kern was the fire chief, Herman Beck and Glen Kern were firefighters. They were on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their salary was a mere $40 per week.
Since 1910, the department has grown from three full-time fire personnel and one fire station to 28 firefighters and two fire stations servicing a population of more than 13,500 residents. Currently, the City of Miami enjoys an ISO rating of 3.
Department Mission
The mission of the Miami Fire Department shall be to protect lives and property from fires, medical emergencies, and all natural and man-made disasters. We will respond in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, providing our customers with the highest level of public service. We shall reduce the rate and severity of emergencies through continuous training, public education, fire prevention, and disaster management services. To maintain the great public trust bestowed upon us, we shall adhere to the highest ethical standards in all we do.