The Key West City Commission last night honored Fire Chief David Fraga with the following proclamation. Chief Fraga is stepping down at the end of the month after 42 years of service, ten of those as Chief.

“Key West Fire Chief David began his career in 1973 as a firefighter, working his way up through the ranks: Captain, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, and in 2006, Fire Chief. When he first made the commitment in November of 1973, Chief Fraga could not have imagined the legacy he would leave with the Key West Fire Department upon his retirement. Fire Station #2, after years of delays, was completed in 2015, providing state-of-the-art service to the community and replacing the decrepit quarters in which our firefighter were previously housed. In 2015, the fire department integrated emergency medical services, moving ambulance service away from the private sector and into the public which ensures fiscal accountability and outstanding service for the community, resurrecting the Key West High School Fire Academy which provides an abundance of opportunity for our City’s youth, and the ultimate feat of leading the department to a Public Protection Classification Rating of “1”; an unprecedented accomplishment for The Key West Fire Department.

Chief Fraga has been an extraordinary example of loyalty, dedication, honesty and integrity to the men and women that serve under his command. In his 10 years serving as Chief, he has lead by example, only asking of his firefighters those things which he himself has or would have done. He has improved the Key West Fire Department each and every year since he first took the helm in 2006. Mr. David Fraga has given great honor to the title Fire Chief.

Chief David Fraga, The Key West City Commission and The City of Key West thank you for your unwavering service, commitment and dedication to the people of our community by way of serving as a Key West Firefighter, and ultimately The City of Key West Fire Chief. We have been blessed that you chose to contribute to the history of the City of Key West and leave behind examples of integrity, determination, commitment, brotherhood and pride.”

Humbled by two standing ovations, Chief Fraga thanked his Department, the Commission, and the community. But, he said, the bulk of his gratitude goes to his wife Linda for her support throughout his career.