Fire Department Progress and Promotions

The replacement of the Marco Island Fire-Rescue Department’s 30-year-old headquarters required personnel to temporarily move from their old facility while a new Station 50 Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center is erected at the site of the old facility. 

During the past nine months, residents have observed the steady progress of the new facility’s construction, following the demolition of the old structure by Manhattan Construction, the contractor. 

Fire suppression personnel and administrative staff have continued to provide services from temporary housing, known as the City Hall Annex Building, located on the second floor at 1310 San Marco Road. The building’s first floor is being utilized by administrative staff from the Public Works, Building Inspection and Permitting Departments.

“Our personnel have done a great job adapting to the challenges and we all look forward to the completion of the new facilities,” said Fire Chief Chris Byrne, when we met with him to discuss the recent promotions within the department.

Over the next several weeks, Coastal Breeze News will highlight several fire department promotions and new hires. This week, we are proud to highlight the promotion of Firefighter/Engineer-Paramedic Jeff Kutzke to the rank of Captain. Kutzke has served the department for 11 years and was promoted to the Engineer’s position in 2018. He is also a certified operator for the Rescue Boat, as well as a HazMat Technician and Rescue Diver. Captain Kutzke and his wife have two young boys. He grew up with the job, as his father is a longtime member of the fire department and is a Battalion Chief.

Another promotion was earned by Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Lund, who was elevated to the position of Driver/Engineer. Lund has been with the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department for 10 years. Prior to Marco, he worked for six months with the Golden Gate Fire Department before its merger with the Greater Naples Fire/Rescue. Lund, who lives in the Fort Myers area, is married and has two young children. When asked what he enjoyed most about the job, he said simply, “I love every aspect of it.” Lund is also certified as a Rescue Diver.

Two more promotions will be highlighted next week, as well as new hires within the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department.