Ex-firefighters charged with manslaughter after deadly training exercise in Virginia Gardens

Following the death of one of their sons in 2024 during an unapproved training exercise, two former Miami-Dade firefighters have been charged with manslaughter. Rafael Fernandez and Francisco A. Camero were arrested on Friday and taken to Miami-Dade County jail. They face charges of criminal negligence and manslaughter. Following the deadly fire at the three-story structure located in the 6500 block of Northwest 36th Street in Virginia Gardens, Camero and Fernandez were among the three employees that quit. After suffering severe injuries, Francisco Camero’s 28-year-old son, Fabian Camero, was taken to the hospital and passed away the next day. A multi-department investigation was started by the unfortunate demise. Steven Colon, a firefighter, also quit.

A group of visiting international firemen were being instructed by Camero and Fernandez as part of a training program, according to arrest documents. In order to “gain experience in fire rescue,” Camero brought his sons Fabian and Lorenzo, but the two “were left unattended on the third floor of the structure directly adjacent to the ignited barrels.” Inhaling smoke killed Fabian Camero. A third unapproved individual who was at the session, according to investigators, heard Fabian’s breathing device begin to lose air. She had to leave Fabian Camero behind in order to reach safety after he fainted, as did Lorenzo Camero. Later, firefighters discovered Fabian “not breathing and unresponsive.”

The safety gear Fabian was wearing “was outdated and did not properly fit him,” according to investigators. and “the safety alert systems and vital breathing equipment” “were not operating correctly.” Other participants in the training exercise are anticipated to turn themselves in, according to law enforcement and fire department sources who spoke to NBC6. The number and type of chargers they will encounter are unknown. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue did not employ qualified EMT Fabian Camero. Ray Jadallah, the fire chief for Miami-Dade, stated, “We are moving forward making sure that oversight, policy, and procedures are put in place, making sure that this never happens again.” A judge in court on Friday studied the case’s specifics and reduced Francisco Camero’s bond. Judge Mindy S. Glazer, “I know it was an accident, he wasn’t intending for his son to be killed,” stated.

According to Fernandez’s lawyer, this was really an accident, NBC6 reported. “This is a tragic accident, one which we intend on dealing with properly and in due course, and hopefully the facts and circumstances will show exactly what this is and nothing more,” said Michael Haber. Francisco Camero’s lawyer was contacted by NBC6 as well, but they did not respond. Despite having a training facility at its headquarters only three miles away, the department was using the building for training that day. The building’s owner confirmed to NBC6 that they had a verbal arrangement with the department at the time that permitted them to conduct “non-destructive” training. As fresh information regarding the firefighter’s kid who perished in the incident becomes available, the investigation into a fatal fire training exercise in Miami-Dade is intensifying. James Reyes, the Chief of Public Safety for Miami-Dade County, affirmed in August that the training exercise was not approved by his department.

Daniella Levine Cava, the mayor of Miami-Dade, stated, “We are very, very sad about the incident, and committed to full accountability.” Public records pertaining to this training exercise and incident reports that describe the items that first responders discovered at the scene have been sought by NBC6. For additional information, NBC6 reached out to the MDFR and the sheriff’s office. “Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) was informed of the pending arrest of two of our former employees involved in a tragic, unsanctioned, training exercise that occurred on June 21, 2024, in Virginia Gardens,” the fire agency said in a statement. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with MDFR, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, launched a thorough investigation in reaction to this tragedy. The employees who were involved in the incident are currently facing prosecution and have been fired from MDFR as a result of the findings. All employees’ safety and wellbeing are a top priority for MDFR, and our Department is committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and accountability.