he Palm Coast Fire Department is excited to announce a wave of promotions that mark a significant milestone in the organization’s growth. Under the leadership of Chief Kyle Berryhill, the department proudly reveals advancements that reflect its commitment to excellence and its strategic succession planning.
Chief Kyle Berryhill is pleased to unveil the latest promotions within the department’s ranks, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to enhancing the organization. Among these notable advancements is the elevation of Driver Engineers Jeremy Barton, Leroy Fisher, Michael LaGreca, and Anthony Pedersen to the role of Lieutenant.
Continuing its emphasis on nurturing talent and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership, the fire department has promoted Firefighters Bill Kerek and Tyler Major to driver engineer positions. These promotions align with the department’s succession planning efforts, which have been thoughtfully implemented to guarantee seamless progress and service delivery.
In line with its dedication to addressing evolving needs, the Palm Coast Fire Department is thrilled to welcome five new firefighters to its esteemed team. Joseph Cruz, Evyn Insalaco, Kalin Kelly, Jace Sherbert, Joseph Sweeney, Jacob Weaver, and Aaron Welsh have all joined the department’s ranks since February 2024. Their recruitment is a strategic response to the department’s goal of filling vacancies stemming from budgeted expansions in firefighter personnel, as well as recent retirements and promotions.
The newly promoted firefighters were honored in a special ceremony held at the Palm Coast Community Center, where they were proudly pinned by their loved ones. Chief Berryhill highlighted the significance of these advancements, emphasizing how the department’s well-established succession plan, conceived years ago, ensures a seamless transition of leadership.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said, “Maintaining public safety and delivering excellent public service are paramount to Palm Coast’s quality of life. The Palm Coast Fire Department is unwavering in its commitment to residents and visitors, offering unparalleled service. As we recognize the contributions of retiring fire officers and welcome our newly promoted leaders, we also extend our congratulations to the career firefighters who embarked on their journey through our firefighter intern program. Under the guidance of Chief Berryhill, I am confident that each of you will continue to provide outstanding care and fire protection for Palm Coast. Success is only achieved through meticulous succession planning.”
The fire department upheld its tradition of honoring firefighters for their heroic life-saving efforts. Lieutenant Joseph Fajardo, Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Lieutenant Junelle Steward, Lieutenant Jason Wagner, Driver Engineers Katelyn Baller, Christopher Cottle, Brandon O’Hara, and Joshua Meeker, along with Firefighter Osvaldo Sene, were recognized with CPR Lifesaving Awards. Fire Chief Berryhill, along with the award recipients, proudly presented the CPR Life Save Award Ribbons. Additionally, Lieutenants Guillermo Arnold and Leroy Fisher were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their outstanding service, exemplary coordination, and unwavering dedication to protecting the community during a severe vehicle crash with entrapment and fire, where their rapid response saved a life. Finally, Matanzas High School Junior Logan Pacarro received the Civilian Life Saving Award for his courageous efforts in helping to save a neighbor’s life during a recent house fire.