Broward sheriff’s office fire rescue team receives prestigious recognition for their heroic life-saving actions in Weston incident

Weston, Florida – In a remarkable display of teamwork and life-saving skill, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Fire Rescue team has been honored for their swift and expert response during a life-threatening incident in Weston, Florida. The team, consisting of EMS Captain Gareth Bradley, Captain Regis Smeltz, Lieutenant Sean Quintoni, and Firefighter/Paramedics Lisette Muñoz, Josef Pesta, Brett Ishmael, Fernando Gajate, and Roberto Di Piazza, was recognized as the Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services’ Employees of the Month for May 2025.

The incident unfolded on November 11, 2024, when contractors, working to install a grounding rod near an FPL transformer, encountered a dangerous and unexpected situation. While operating a hydraulically powered hammer, the grounding rod inadvertently struck an underground high-voltage line, delivering a catastrophic electric shock to one of the workers. The contractor was instantly thrown into cardiac and respiratory arrest, a situation that could have ended tragically if not for the quick actions of a colleague.

In a split-second decision that ultimately saved the life of his co-worker, the second contractor acted without hesitation, pushing the victim away from the dangerous tool and immediately starting bystander CPR. This critical move set in motion the Chain of Survival, which would ultimately lead to the contractor’s recovery.

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When the BSO Fire Rescue team arrived on the scene, the patient was pulseless and not breathing. The team quickly sprang into action, deploying their expertise in advanced life support. They administered several rounds of defibrillation, provided necessary medications, and secured the victim’s airway. The team also initiated intravenous access and continued high-quality CPR.

Their dedication and skill paid off. After these aggressive life-saving measures, a pulse was successfully restored, and the victim began to show signs of spontaneous breathing and meaningful movement. These early signs of recovery were a testament to the effectiveness of the BSO Fire Rescue team’s actions, which were crucial in stabilizing the contractor before being transferred to the hospital for further care.

Given the traumatic nature of the cardiac arrest, the patient was airlifted to the hospital, where he was received by a specialized cardiac trauma team. After an intense 16-day stay in the hospital, the contractor was transferred to a rehabilitation facility, where he continued his recovery. Remarkably, the patient was alert, responsive, and steadily improving, a direct result of the uninterrupted Chain of Survival — beginning with the prompt recognition of the emergency, the early activation of 911, the immediate bystander CPR, and the swift response by first responders, followed by timely defibrillation and advanced care at the hospital.

The incident exemplifies the importance of every step in the life-saving process. Chief Todd Draizin of the Weston Fire Rescue Department acknowledged this by honoring the dedicated team at a City Commission meeting held on May 19, 2025. “This team’s actions were a textbook example of what it means to be prepared and to respond with precision under immense pressure,” Chief Draizin said during the ceremony.

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The BSO Fire Rescue team’s recognition as Employees of the Month highlights the critical role that first responders play in saving lives, often under high-stress and time-sensitive circumstances. Their efforts exemplify the dedication and professionalism of emergency responders who work tirelessly to protect and serve their communities, often going above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for those in need.

The heroic actions of Captain Gareth Bradley, Captain Regis Smeltz, Lieutenant Sean Quintoni, and Firefighter/Paramedics Lisette Muñoz, Josef Pesta, Brett Ishmael, Fernando Gajate, and Roberto Di Piazza have set a standard for excellence in emergency response, demonstrating the power of training, teamwork, and quick thinking in the face of life-threatening emergencies. Their recognition by the Weston City Commission serves as a well-deserved tribute to their unwavering commitment to public safety and the preservation of life.