Daniel Perez, Federico Valbuena, Zachary Manning, Paulo Marcolan, Amanda Dennett, Kelly Ismond, Alvin Williams, and Sean Vassell. {Photos by David Volz}
As a new firefighter, Zachary Manning must work hard to prove himself every day.
He is among eight recently hired Tamarac Fire Rescue firefighters who have completed fire academy training and are now learning on the job. As they begin this new stage, they are also learning the Tamarac way of firefighting.
“To be successful, we have to work together and trust one another. I always volunteer for the hardest jobs, and I am working to be a good firefighter,” said Manning. He is from Plano, Texas, and graduated from Collin College.
Zachary Manning and Kelly Ismond.
Kelly Ismond loves the challenge of being a firefighter. She earned a biology degree from Florida Atlantic University and was attracted to the physical and academic challenge of being a firefighter. Like Manning, she is focused on learning and improving every day.
“I like the intensity of firefighter training and the physical challenges. Teamwork is very important, and you have to get along with the firefighters you live and work with. Now I am working to become the best firefighter I can be,” said Ismond.
The process of becoming a Tamarac firefighter is long and challenging. It is very competitive, and one must be certified as a firefighter and a paramedic. Because of those demands, becoming a paramedic is often difficult, according to Captain Michael Boyhan, who said one must learn to care for people in life-threatening situations.
“It is very physically demanding, and one must be a well-rounded person. You can’t be selfish because you are working and living with firefighters. You might get a call at 3:00 a.m., and when you get back to the firehouse, there might be another call,” said Boyhan.
Tamarac Fire Chief Jonathan Frasher.
First-year training is hard, but most new firefighters succeed, according to Chief Jonathan Frasher.
“I want our new firefighters to do well, and if someone is struggling, we will work with that person so they can improve and be successful,” said Frasher.
Tamarac Fire Rescue recently received two refurbished ambulances/rescue vehicles. Each vehicle received a new chassis, cab, and engine. The total cost for both vehicles was $690,658, according to Frasher.
Send Your News to Coral Springs’s #1 Award-Winning News Site Here. Don’t Miss Parkland Talk, Tamarac Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Margate Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.
Author Profile
Latest entries
NewsJuly 10, 2026Tamarac Commission Approves $566K Purchase of New AmbulanceNewsJuly 9, 2026Tamarac Holds Line on Property Tax Rate, Approves Higher Fire Fee
NewsJune 28, 2026New Dental School Offers Hands-On Training for Assistants
NewsJune 28, 2026Tamarac Commissioner Krystal Patterson Leads Backpack Giveaway
