Division Chief of Operations: Eric Achiron

Division Chief Achiron began his career with the City of Margate Fire Department in 1996. Throughout his career, he has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief and was assigned the Division Chief of Operations for the Margate Fire Department in 2021. Chief Achiron has been part of the ALS team and was the Union President for the Professional Firefighters of Margate Local 2497 from 2006-2010.

Chief Achiron has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. He has been awarded numerous Firefighter of the Month awards and was Firefighter of the Year in 2015. Chief Achiron is a member of the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County, Florida Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Email: eachiron@margatefl.com 

Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services: Vito Labriola

Vito Labriola began his career with the Margate Fire Department in 2008.  During his voluminous career, he has held the ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, EMS Captain, Battalion Chief, and is currently the Division Chief of EMS.  Vito is a long-standing member of the prestigious ALS Team, a former SWAT paramedic, a member of the training bureau, Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, the department Designated Infection Control Officer, a member of the Pandemic Task Force, a member of the Peer Support Team, has been involved with multiple conferences in Broward County, and has been a multi-discipline instructor at various schools throughout the tri-county area.  Vito has been extremely proactive with education as he has received numerous certifications and diplomas.  To name a few, Vito possesses multiple State of Florida certifications, State of Florida Fire Officer IV, a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program, completed three Associate Degrees from various schools, received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration with a cross disciplined subplan from St. Petersburg College, is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Barry University, and is currently completing the Florida Fire Chief’s Association Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI).  Vito is also a four-time recipient of the Firefighter of the Month award, a one-time recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award, and awarded a Unit Citation Award and the prestigious Merit Award.

Vito serves his community with honor and integrity and upholds himself to the highest moral and ethical standards.  He feels being in the fire service is his calling and will always serve with pride and professionalism. Email: vlabriola@margatefl.com

Division Chief of Administration: Steve Erched

Division Chief Erched began his career with the City of Margate Fire Department in 1996. Throughout his career, he has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief in the Margate Fire Department.

Chief Erched’s past experience includes overseeing and leading the Logistics Division from 2014-2018. Currently, Chief Erched is responsible for the Administrative Division for the agency. His current duties include ISO coordination, planning and implementing departmental promotional testing, overseeing light duty personnel, and any departmental special project. 

Chief Erched has an Associate’s Degree in Emergency Medical Service from Miami Dade College, Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Broward College and is currently a licensed Registered Nurse, Associates Degree in Fire Science Technology (with honors) from Broward College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University. He is also certified in the State of Florida as a Firefighter, Paramedic, and Municipal Fire Officer. Chief Erched is a member of the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County, Florida Fire Chiefs Association, and International Association of Fire Chiefs. Email: serched@margatefl.com

Division Chief of Logistics: Danny "D-Rod" Rodriguez

Danny "D-Rod" Rodriguez has been with the Margate Fire Department since 2001. He has an Associate Degree in Fire Science.  He has been promoted through the ranks and was assigned as the Logistics Division Chief in 2018. In this position, he maintains the operational needs of the three fire stations.

The Logistics Division is responsible for uniforms, bunker gear, dive rescue gear and other safety equipment for approximately 80 firefighters. In addition, fleet procurement and maintenance on 20 front line vehicles and 10 support vehicles are controlled through Logistics.

In 2018, Chief Rodriguez initiated and successfully piloted the City of Margate to become the first Fire Department in the State of Florida as NFPA 1851 Compliant, which is a health initiative to help reduce the firefighters’ chances of cancers. He subsequently achieved 100% compliance in 2020 and is near completing 2021. Email: drodriguez@margatefl.com

Battalion Chief of Training: Oscar Rodriguez

Oscar Rodriguez is the Chief Training Officer for the Margate Fire Department. He ensures all Fire and EMS training is completed and in compliance with the state and ISO requirements. Oscar has been with the department for 18 years. He has also been serving for 15 years on the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team FLTF2 as a Rescue Squad Officer with multiple deployments nationally and internationally.

Oscar is also a core faculty member at the University of Miami. For over 14 years, he has worked with multiple fire departments, medical universities, the US Armed Forces and the White House Medical Unit to further their training using advanced simulation and training techniques. Oscar has a Bachelors degree in Fire science with Emergency Management. 

Oscar spends his free time with his wife of 16 years and their son and daughter in club sports, and outdoor winter and summer activities during the off season.