Ronny Garcia has been a Firefighter/Paramedic with Tampa Fire Rescue since 1983, retiring after 30 years as a Fire Captain. He is the Secretary of Florida S.A.F.E. Inc. He has been a Presenter for Florida S.A.F.E., Inc., presenting programs like the Street Smart/Critical program since 1999. Ronny is a native of Tampa, FL, married to his wife Susan, with their 2 children, Justin and Brittany.
Besides his wife and family, Ronny likes to recall two of his proudest moments in his life. Being named Firefighter of The Year for Tampa Fire Rescue in 2001 is one. The other he gets to relive every time he presents the Street Smart/Critical program.
"The looks on their faces, the feeling you get when they say thank you for presenting such a great program. It's that same feeling a paramedic gets when they were involved in a terrible scene, and they have a part in the saving of a life. Looking at their faces after the program, you realize you may have just done that."
Greg McCarty is the President of Florida S.A.F.E. Inc. and a retired Rescue Lieutenant who served with Tampa Fire Rescue for 18 years. As one of the original Florida S.A.F.E. presenters, he has been associated with this program since 1999. Greg is responsible for the overall well being of this great organization. Greg sincerely enjoys delivering the message of safe driving and good decision making in hopes of making a difference in the lives of young people. Greg feels that hearing from participants that the program makes a difference is the most rewarding part.
He is a lifelong resident of Tampa, FL with 3 children. Over the years, he has enjoyed volunteering at his children's school events such as Relay For Life and at their sporting events. Greg also volunteering for many years at Camp Hopeatoke, a burn camp for previous burned children.
Miami Dade County Firefighter/Paramedic Oscar Duran began his career in 1999. Along the way he earned his Emergency Medical Services Degree as well as serving Dade County as a Dive Rescue Specialist, Helicopter Flight Medic and an Airport Rescue Firefighter. Oscar responds to horrific car accidents on a daily basis. He strongly believes that through awareness and education most of these tragedies can be avoided.
Natalie Brown has been a firefighter/paramedic for over 20 years and is presently a Lieutenant with Tampa Fire Rescue. A native of England, Natalie lives in Florida with her husband and family. When on duty, she is fully aware that her day can change dramatically, going from working on paperwork to making a decision to save someone's life. She believes that her profession is like no other and enjoys the challenges and teamwork that goes along with the job.
Another part of Natalie's life is her involvement in the S.A.F.E. program. She feels that being an advocate of something so prevalent in today's world is extremely rewarding and is both honored and privileged to be part of something so very important.
David Dittman began his career as a firefighter in Tampa in 1997 and is presently a Captain with Tampa Fire Rescue, currently assigned to Truck Company 13 which responds to multiple calls a day, from structure fires to technical rescues.
He is a lifelong resident of Tampa, FL, married to his wife Ellen, along with their 3 children, Leigh, Taylor, and Skylar.
"I am passionate about public service. I believe delivering the message from this program has and will continue to save countless lives across this country. I am extremely humbled and blessed to be a part of this wonderful team.
Alex Jimenez is a veteran of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue with 22 years of service. Alex has always had a passion for presenting Street Smart/Critical in both English and Spanish.
