The City of Miramar has made history with the appointment of Jermaine McFarlane as Fire Chief of the Miramar Fire-Rescue Department, marking the first time a Black chief has led the department.
With more than 26 years of dedicated service to the department, Chief McFarlane brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. He has served in numerous capacities over the course of his career, most recently as Deputy Fire Chief, where he played a pivotal role in operational planning, personnel development, and emergency response coordination.
As Fire Chief, McFarlane will oversee all aspects of the department’s operations and strategic initiatives, guiding its mission to protect life, property, and the environment through innovative, high-quality service delivery.
“It is the honor of my life to serve the residents of Miramar in this new capacity,” said McFarlane in a statement. “Having spent the past 26 years with the department, I am deeply committed to our mission of excellence in public safety. I look forward to leading our outstanding men and women in uniform as we continue to protect and serve this great city.
“The trust you place in us is something we never take for granted. Whether responding to a structure fire, providing medical aid, assisting during natural disasters, or participating in community events, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering. I want to personally thank each of you for your support and the faith that you have bestowed on me to lead this incredible team.”
McFarlane will now oversee a team of 182 personnel, including 162 sworn firefighters. City leaders praised his professionalism and longstanding commitment to the community.
“Chief McFarlane’s dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the people of Miramar make him the right choice to lead our Fire-Rescue Department into the future,” said Mayor Wayne M. Messam. “[McFarlane’s] decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Miramar make him the right choice to lead us forward.”
A formal swearing-in ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Miramar Commission Chambers, where Chief McFarlane will officially be sworn in as Fire Chief.
