The City of Palm Bay will host a special recognition ceremony on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to honor members of Palm Bay Fire Rescue for outstanding service and life-saving actions. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Palm Bay City Hall, prior to the regular City Council meeting, and will conclude with a cake reception. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Space Coast Fire Chiefs’ Association Honorees
During the ceremony, the city will formally recognize Palm Bay Fire Rescue employees recently honored at the Space Coast Fire Chiefs’ Association annual awards ceremony. The honorees include Kolter Klasek as Firefighter of the Year, Brian Miller as Chief Officer of the Year, and Valerie Baptiste as Inspector of the Year.
Off-Duty Lieutenants Save a Life at a Holiday Race
Lieutenants Cam Drake and Chris Childs will also be recognized for their response during the Jingle Bell 2 Mile race in Satellite Beach on December 20, 2025. During the event, a runner collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. While an on-duty standby crew began initial patient care, Lieutenants Drake and Childs — who were off duty and participating in the race as runners — immediately stopped to assist with resuscitation efforts.
Their involvement during a critical window helped support advanced care until the patient was successfully resuscitated and transported to a hospital while alert and responsive.
“These actions show how much they care for others and that firefighters are never truly off duty,” wrote Satellite Beach Fire Department leadership in a letter formally recognizing the lieutenants.
City Invites the Public to Attend
The City of Palm Bay called the ceremony an opportunity for the community to witness and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and compassion shown by Palm Bay Fire Rescue personnel both on and off duty. Residents are encouraged to attend and help honor the firefighters being recognized.
