Pembroke Pines Fire Chief Retires
Successor Named
Pembroke Pines, FL - (August 1, 2022) After 37 years of service for The City of Pembroke Pines Fire Department, and 16 years as Fire Chief, John Picarello announced that he will be retiring as of August, 1, 2022.  His successor will be Marcelino Rodriguez, who served as the City of Pembroke Pines Fire Department Division Chief of Operations.

Chief Picarello was the longest tenured employee in the history of the Pembroke Pines Fire Department.  He was the first Fire Chief in the history of the Department to come from within and move up the ranks.  His accomplishments during his years in service are numerous, including creating the Department’s Firefighter Oath; helping to obtain $5 million in Federal, State and Local grants to  purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus, cardiac monitors, AEDs, thermal imaging cameras and Motorola radios; expanding access to CPR training with Family & Friends CPR Classes; designing and building the new training facility, and the Firefighter Memorial at Fire Station 69; implementing the City’s "Stop the Bleed" campaign, and much more.

"It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Pembroke Pines and the men and woman of the Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Department for the past 37 years," said Picarello.  "I know that Marcelino has the skills, knowledge, abilities, passion and experience to perform at the highest level, and that our Fire Department will continue to provide our residents with the level of service that is second to none."

Marcelino Rodriguez has 21 years of service with the Pembroke Pines Fire Department. He obtained two Associates Degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire & Emergency Service Management.  Promoted through the ranks, Rodriguez has been an Administrative Staff Officer for over five years.  He has served as the Department’s Public Information Officer and Safety Supervisor, and for 18 years also held the position of Paramedic Instructor for Broward College.

"I feel a sense of honor and pride to serve this Fire Department and its citizens as the next Fire Chief," said Rodriguez.  "I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our community while maintaining the safety and well-being of our firefighters."

For additional information, please contact the City of Pembroke Pines Fire Department at 954-499-9600 or visit www.ppines.com/firedepartment

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