City of Palm Bay to Celebrate Firefighters' Awards and Life-Saving Actions on February 5

The City of Palm Bay will honor several Palm Bay Fire Rescue members at a Feb. 5 ceremony; two lieutenants will also be recognized for assisting in the resuscitation of a runner at a December race.

The City of Palm Bay will recognize several members of Palm Bay Fire Rescue at a special ceremony on Thursday, February 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Palm Bay City Hall. The event will take place before the regular City Council meeting and will include a cake reception. The awards follow honors given by the Space Coast Fire Chiefs' Association at its annual ceremony. Two lieutenants will also be acknowledged for off-duty assistance in resuscitating a runner at a December race. Details: - The recognition ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Palm Bay City Hall, with a cake reception afterward. - Recent regional awards being recognized include Firefighter of the Year Kolter Klasek, Chief Officer of the Year Brian Miller, and Inspector of the Year Valerie Baptiste. - Lieutenants Cam Drake and Chris Childs are being acknowledged for actions during the Jingle Bell 2 Mile race in Satellite Beach on December 20, 2025, when a runner collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. - Satellite Beach Fire Department officials reported that an on-duty standby crew began patient care and that combined responder efforts resuscitated the runner, who was reported alert during transport to the hospital. - City officials described the recognitions as reflecting the recipients' professionalism, leadership, and commitment to service. Summary: The ceremony will formally acknowledge recent regional honors and a life-saving response by off-duty personnel. City leaders will present the awards at the Feb. 5 event, followed by a cake reception. Officials say the recognitions reflect the department's culture of service and teamwork.