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Know your Fire Chief
• Garrison Westbrook fighting fires at 16
Tuesday,
May 5, 2009
Margate Fire Chief Garrison G. Westbrook, EFO, CFO started as an EMT and Firefighter with Margate back in April 1974. He worked his way up the ‘ladder’ to Fire Lieutenant, Captain and finally Big Kahuna. Recently, Westbrook was recognized for 35 years of service to Margate.
“It’s the best job in the world,” he said.
Westbrook’s began his firefighting career at 16 years old as a volunteer firefighter in Coral Springs. High school buddies encouraged him to join and now, at 54 years old, Westbrook has been a firefighter most of his life.
Although rarely seen on the big red engine anymore, the Chief says his job entails fighting fires of a different kind, constantly working on funding and the budget, union negotiations and, as the city’s fire code official, making sure Margate’s fire laws are up to snuff.
“Recent budget cuts have made my job more challenging,” said Westbrook, adding that no layoffs occurred in the last budget, but vacancies were left open.
Westbrook’s fire battalion is constantly recognized at Margate City Hall for outstanding community service, and a quick glance at their website reveals one award after another in Vehicle Extrication (Jaws of Life) and ALS Competition (Advanced Life Support).
Although to single out any one firefighter for acts of greatness is paramount to deciding whether ‘my dad is better than your dad,’ (or mom) one would note the donation of bone marrow from Margate Firefighter, Steve Vassil in 2006 – to help save a 12-year-old girl suffering from acute lymphoblast tic leukemia – as just one example of the quality fire rescue personnel serving under Westbrook.
“We have an excellent department reputation. As good as Dade County or any of the big companies,” Westbrook said.
Recalling great moments in his firefighting history, Westbrook says most memories aren’t fond ones, as firefighters rarely get called when the news is good. He did cite, however, closing an arson case a few years back when contacted by New Jersey law enforcement regarding a man bragging about torching his house in Margate, Florida with gasoline. “He told someone in a bar who then proceeded to call the police,” said the Chief. “We closed the case.”
Cats in trees aren’t something Margate Fire gets called on. “Although firefighters do rescue ducks caught in storm drains,” said Westbrook. As far as fires, like any other city, Margate has its share.
Westbrook maintains two certifications, Executive Fire Officer (EFO) and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and is the Secretary of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Broward County. He’s enrolled in the Florida Retirement System DROP program and plans to retire soon.
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