Votinelli Named Firefighter of the Year
by St. Lucie County Fire District
St. Lucie County, FL - FF/Paramedic Al Votinelli was named Firefighter of the Year by the St. Lucie County Fire District (SLCFD).
Al Votinelli has been with the SLCFD since March 25, 2002. The journey to that point was filled with many obstacles and challenges. He had wanted to be a firefighter for most of his adult life, even reaching back to his native New York City, but timing and opportunity didn't seem to materialize. FF Votinelli was an accomplished welder and industrial mechanic; however, he states, "there always seemed to be a void with respect to fulfillment." In 1994 he and his wife moved to Port St. Lucie to raise their family. In January 1995 he began the quest to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. Once again, this would prove to be no easy task. Timing, opportunity, and the ability to provide for his family while pursuing the required training, was a very difficult and at times seemed to be an insurmountable endeavor. Finally, in 2001 he was able to complete his EMT and Fire-Recruit training.
"It was a long and difficult struggle, but the job is everything I dreamt it would be and more," said Votinelli.
He was first assigned to Station #15 on Avenue D in Ft. Pierce. He responded out of that Station for three years. While a firefighter, he went to paramedic school and graduated at the top of his class. He received an Associates Degree in EMS and is currently working on his Bachelor's Degree. FF/PM Votinelli has recently been appointed to the Special Operations Team at Station #14 in St. Lucie West.
"Working with Al has been an honor and a privilege," explained Ron Parrish, SLCFD Fire Chief. "He brings to the profession and the Fire District a sense of honor that is bestowing that of Firefighter of the Year. I am sure he will continue to represent this award throughout his career."
Since 2004 Votinelli has been the MDA coordinator for the St. Lucie Co. Firefighter "Boot Drives." He has always wanted to become involved in a charitable cause, and MDA's tradition with the firefighters was a natural fit. He has run successful campaigns, most recently raising over $65,000 in last year's MDA Drive. "It's the dedication, commitment and hard work of our Firefighters, coupled with the kind and generous donations by the citizens of our county that creates this type of success!" explained Votinelli.
FF/PM Votinelli is quite active in the community and works in various capacities with many other charitable organizations including, the Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Relay for Life and the Salvation Army. Several of those are through his work with the Firefighters Local 1377, where he is Vice President of Line Personnel.
"The challenges encountered during this journey have been well worth it," explained Votinelli. "I take enormous pride in being involved in the tradition of the fire service, working with the extraordinary men and women of the SLCFD and responding to the needs of our community. My career has provided me with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment beyond compare," said Votinelli. "Being awarded the Firefighter of the Year is an exceptional honor and simply overwhelming."
Votinelli and his wife Arlene have four children and happily reside in Port St. Lucie.
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