Off-Duty Fla. Firefighter/Paramedic Dies in Car Crash

Miami Herald

Dozens of cars and emergency vehicles snaked their way through Pembroke Pines Thursday in a procession to honor Kevin Mehaffey, a firefighter/paramedic who died May 15 in a car crash.

Mehaffey, 30, joined Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Station 69 in October 2015. In 2018, he was presented with the Medal of Valor for performing a dive rescue. He was recently promoted to driver engineer, driving fire truck 69. He was studying for the lieutenant’s exam.

“Kevin was in all essence a selfless individual, kindhearted, hardworking, family loving, trustworthy, and genuinely only wanted to bring love and happiness to others,” his family said in a statement.

Outside of work, Mehaffey was engaged to be married and preparing for the birth of his daughter, Sydney, in August.

Friends, family and fellow firefighters lined Pines Boulevard as the procession made its way through the city.

“We’re out here to pay our respects,” said Amelia Wisehart, a family friend. “Very sad. He was a very loving, caring guy.”

A memorial reef will be laid to rest off the coast of South Florida in August in his honor.

Instead of flowers, contributions to support the family can be sent to the Firefighters Benevolent of Pembroke Pines Inc., 9400 NW 17th St., Plantation, FL 33322, c/o Kevin Mehaffey.