Executive Staff

Danny Rodriguez 2026Deputy Chief: Danny "D-Rod" Rodriguez

Danny "D-Rod" Rodriguez has been a dedicated member of the Margate Fire Department since 2001. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and an Associate Degree in Fire Science. Throughout his career, he has advanced through the ranks, serving as Rescue Supervisor, Lieutenant, and Captain. In 2018, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and later assigned to Division Chief of Logistics to oversee the operational needs of the department's three fire stations.

As the Division Chief of Logistics, Danny oversaw the procurement and maintenance of fire and rescue trucks and support vehicles. He ensured that the department’s 92 firefighters are fully equipped with essential gear, including uniforms, bunker gear, and other critical safety equipment. His leadership is key to maintaining operational readiness and to upholding the department’s prestigious ISO Class 1 rating.

In 2018, Chief Rodriguez led the Margate Fire Department to become the first in Florida to achieve NFPA 1851 compliance — a critical health initiative aimed at reducing firefighters' cancer risks by ensuring proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage of protective gear. Under his leadership, the department reached 100% compliance by 2020 and has continued to uphold this standard, prioritizing the health and safety of all personnel. Committed to excellence, Chief Rodriguez continues to seek innovative ways to enhance firefighter safety and improve department operations. He became Deputy Chief in 2026.  

Email: drodriguez@margatefl.com

Vito Labriola 2026Assistant Fire Chief – Operations: 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, Division Chief of EMS, Division Chief of Operations, and, as of 2026, the Assistant Fire Chief. 

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 in his education, earning 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, received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Barry University, and completed the Florida Fire Chief’s Association Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI) program. Vito is in the midst of completing the prestigious Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program at the National Fire Academy. 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 has been awarded a Unit Citation Award and the prestigious Merit Award.

Vito serves his community with honor and integrity, upholding himself to the highest moral and ethical standards.  He feels that serving in the fire service is his calling and that he will always serve with pride and professionalism. 

Email: vlabriola@margatefl.com

Matt Whiteshield 2026Assistant Fire Chief – EMS: Matt Whiteshield

Matthew Whiteshield began his career with the Margate Fire Department in 2000 and has served the community with distinction for over two decades. Throughout his career, he has held the ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, EMS Captain, and currently serves as Assistant Chief of EMS.

Matt was a member of the award-winning Vehicle Extrication Team, where he served as the Team Medic and was recognized as Best Lead Medic in 2005. He later served as Team Captain, further demonstrating his leadership and operational expertise.

A founding member of the Margate Firefighters Benevolent, Matt has served as its President for the past 15 years. In this role, he has led numerous community-focused initiatives to support Margate residents, including charitable outreach, family assistance programs, and partnerships that provide aid during times of need. His leadership has helped strengthen the bond between the fire department and the community it serves, reinforcing a culture of service, compassion, and civic responsibility.

Matt also brings an extensive background in EMS education, with more than 20 years as an EMS instructor across Broward and Miami-Dade counties. He has served as an instructor at Broward College and the University of Miami Gordon Center, and previously served as EMS Program Director at the Emergency Education Institute.

His career is marked by numerous honors, including multiple Firefighter of the Month awards, the 2014 Fire Chief’s Award, 2008 Firefighter of the Year, and the 2018 American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Matt holds an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services, an Associate Degree in Fire Science, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, reflecting his commitment to both professional excellence and continuous growth

Email: mwhiteshield@margatefl.com

Eric Achiron 2026Division Chief of Administration: Eric Achiron

Division Chief Eric 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, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief of Operations. 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. His current duties include ISO coordination, planning and implementing departmental promotional testing, overseeing light-duty personnel, and departmental special projects. 

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

Oscar Rodriguez 2026Battalion 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 Bachelor's degree in Fire Science and 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.  

Email: orodriguez@margatefl.com

Ed Pickering 2026Battalion Chief of Support Services: Ed Pickering

Battalion Chief Ed Pickering is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He began his fire service career with the City of Margate in February 2005. Throughout his tenure, he has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, was promoted to Captain in 2015, and advanced to Battalion Chief in 2023. He currently oversees the Support Services Division.

Battalion Chief Pickering holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. His professional certifications include Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor III, Live Fire Training Instructor, and Fire Inspector. He is also the handler for the Margate Fire Department’s Therapy/Crisis K9, Ember.

In addition, Battalion Chief Pickering serves as a SWAT Medic with the Margate Police Department’s SWAT Team.

Email: epickering@margatefl.com