AVFD recognizes one of their own

Firefighters from the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) took time out Monday night, February 2, to recognize one of their own for his many years of dedicated service to the department.

Alfia Mirabella a 85 year-old retired paper mill worker was recognized and honored with a dinner at the Battery Park community center by fellow firefighters from the eighteen member all volunteer department for his 51 years of service.

Fire Chief Bert Simmons presented Mirabella with a plague that read, “Presented to Alfia Mirabella in recognition of many years of tireless service and dedication to the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department”.

Ashley Teat a former member of the AVFD drove in from Ocala, Florida to take part in the occasion and spoke during the dinner, “Mr. Alfia embraced me as a young firefighter when I was just getting started on the fire department, now I’m a certified state fire inspector”, said Teat.

Mirabella’s family shared in the moment, joining him was Eunice his wife of 60 years, their daughter Mary Joe and husband Jimmy, Alfia Jr., and son John along with Eunice’s sister and husband.

Photos by Gail D. Johnson