On April 20, 2018, BSO Weston Firefighter/Paramedic Dean Moreno was honored by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County (SFBC) with the 2017 Sheriff’s Foundation Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year Award.

BSO Weston District Chief Bruce Angier read the commendation, “Firefighter Moreno demonstrated an act of heroism that placed him at significant risk during the Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting incident in January of 2017. He was on duty and working an extra detail on January 6, 2017 at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. He was conducting a ‘fire watch’ at Terminal 3, when he suddenly observed approximately 100 people running toward him in panic.  

Firefighter Moreno made contact with some of these individuals and learned that there was an active shooter in Terminal 2. Firefighter Moreno courageously ran outside towards Terminal 2 and came across a shooting victim with a wound to the arm. He made the initial notification to the communications center that there was an active shooter incident in progress at the airport and requested additional resources.

Firefighter Moreno continued to attend to the shooting victim as many more people were stampeding from the terminal. After briefing his Battalion Chief, Firefighter Moreno grabbed a medical kit and triaged other victims in Terminal 2. He remained at the airport, caring for the injured and uninjured alike until 9:00 PM that evening. Firefighter Moreno’s expedient actions and disregard for his personal safety helped many people who were at the airport that day. He acted selflessly and in the true spirit of the fire service.”

As a part of the award, Firefighter/Paramedic Moreno selected BSO Fire Rescue Cadet Post 777 to receive a Foundation donation of $1000 in his name. The Cadet Posts are for young men and women considering a career in fire rescue and emergency services.

Congratulations and thank you for your dedication and service!