Seminole County, Fla. (June 25, 2024) – Recently the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) celebrated the addition of 14 new recruits and the promotion of several personnel. The ceremony was held at Action Church in Winter Park and led by Fire Chief Matt Kinley. At least half of the new graduates grew up in or currently live in Seminole County and are now fully prepared to serve their community as probationary firefighters with the Department.

The graduation was just one milestone out of several at SCFD. During the ceremony, three other personnel received promotional pinning in Command Staff that represented their dedication, growth, and service.

·       Deputy Chief of Administration Matt Hettler was promoted from Assistant Chief. Deputy Chief Hettler also delivered the keynote address, discussing his career and growth with the Department beginning in 2007 with the Casselberry Fire Department.

·       Assistant Chief of Professional Standards and Training Daniel Bowen was welcomed to SCFD after previously serving as Division Chief of the City of Deltona Fire Department.

·        Joel Herrera, formerly a Battalion Chief, was promoted to Assistant Chief—B Shift Commander.

“Your decisions are a reflection of your character. You have decided to train hard and now the work continues on the field. The person you are on and off duty is representation of SCFD, and we want you to continue to grow and make us proud,” Deputy Chief Hettler said during his keynote address.