Melbourne Firefighters Honored During Awards and Promotions Ceremony
Published on July 18, 2025
The Melbourne Fire Department Awards and Promotions Ceremony was held on July 18 to honor Melbourne firefighters for their exceptional skills, heroism and dedication. Employees earning promotions were also recognized, and new firefighters were sworn in and formally welcomed to the department.
Firefighter of the First Quarter and Employee Excellence Award
Battalion Chief Craig Bailey was recognized as Firefighter of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2025 (January – March). He also received a City of Melbourne Employee Excellence Award for his outstanding dedication to operational improvement, professional development and mentorship.
Battalion Chief Bailey spearheaded the update of high-rise operational procedures, ensuring personnel are well-prepared and trained for complex incidents. He also developed the Company Officer Development Program, which plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders for both administrative duties and emergency scene management. In addition to his technical contributions, he leads by example – mentoring younger firefighters and fostering a culture of professionalism, knowledge and excellence.
Firefighter of the Second Quarter and Exceptional Duty Award
Lt. Jason Young was named Firefighter of the Quarter for the second quarter of the year (April – June) and received and Exceptional Duty Award for his outstanding performance during the John Rodes Brush Fire on April 16.
Along with his crew, Lt. Young remained on scene for nearly 15 hours, demonstrating tireless commitment and leadership throughout the extended operation. Under his directions, crews effectively monitored changing conditions and worked into the early morning hours extinguishing hot spots. His calm, intelligent approach and stoic presence were instrumental in ensuring a safe and effective response to a challenging and prolonged event.
Unit Citation
The following were honored with a Unit Citation for their remarkable professionalism, teamwork and dedication in response to the John Rodes Brush Fire on April 16:
- Division Chief of Training Payton Jones
- Battalion Chief Thomas Pownall
- Battalion Chief Nikolai Pippa
- Captain Ryan Young
- Logistics Officer Michael Dalton
- Lt. Maan Aboulhosn
- Lt. Michael Grove
- Lt. Keith Maxwell
- Driver Engineer Daniel Coggins
- Driver Engineer Aaron Collins
- Driver Engineer Irvin Corado
- Driver Engineer Michael Pannucci
- Firefighter Giovanni Allen
- Firefighter Jaret Anderson
- Firefighter Austin Anglin
- Firefighter Cody Boccardi
- Firefighter Taylor Brown
- Firefighter David Faulx
- Firefighter Anthony Garton
- Firefighter Douglas Goins
- Firefighter Zachary James
- Firefighter Nicholas Lamb
- Firefighter Roman Restrepo
- Firefighter Alexis Rogulski
- Firefighter Jeffrey Toussaint
- Firefighter Gregory Underwood
Throughout the incident, all members went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure safety of the public and protect property. Their quick actions and strategic response directly resulted in the prevention of significant property loss and, most importantly, no loss of life. The success of this operation was a direct result of the crews’ collective discipline, determination and collaboration. Their conduct exemplified the highest standards of service.
Life-Saving Award
Lt. Austin Fisher, Driver Engineer Robert Mikulskis, Firefighter Dwane Eckes, and Melbourne Police Officer Glenn Whiteside were each recognized with a Life-Saving Award for their swift and coordinated actions that saved the life of a 50-year-old man who had suffered cardiac arrest at the Fee Avenue Tennis Complex on April 4. Officer Whiteside was first on scene and immediately initiated CPR upon recognizing agonal respirations and the absence of a pulse. He maintained high-quality chest compressions until relieved by Engine 74 personnel, who deployed advanced life-saving protocols with precision. As a result of their combined efforts, the patient regained a pulse and returned to a normal sinus rhythm prior to transport, representing a successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
Promotions
John Jackson was promoted to Lieutenant.
Taylor Brown was promoted to Driver Engineer.
Giovanni Allen, Austin Anglin, Austin Geiger, Noah Georgeff, Kyle McBride, William McKegg, Omari Peebles, Thomas Roche, August Sanabria, Jeffrey Toussaint, and Gregory Underwood were recognized for completing their one-year probation.
New Firefighters
Joshua Bush, Zachary Davidson, Brian Hurley, Dylan Powell, and Jace Sherbert were officially sworn in and formally welcomed to the Melbourne Fire Department after completing orientation.