April 24th -September 21st, 2025
In collaboration with the
Coral Gables Fire Department
The Coral Gables Museum is pleased to announce the opening of Coral Gables Fire: A Century of Service, an exhibition honoring the dedication and milestones that have shaped the Coral Gables Fire Department into what it is today.
Coral Gables Fire seeks to recognize the vital role of past and present first responders who risk their lives every day in service to others. Through a collection of ephemera, artifacts and videos, the visitors will have a glimpse into the daily life of a fire station, then and now. Visitors will enjoy learning about remarkable events and people in the history of this important institution, such as the contribution of the oldest living retired Coral Gables firefighter, Mr. Ed Pelton, who served from 1959 to 1997, and shared on camera his reflections on what he calls “the best years of his life,” or tragedies such as the burning of The Coral Gables Country Club, which still remains in the local collective memory.
Also featured in the show is the first portable Combined EKG Monitor and Defibrillator, the LifePak 5 by Physio-Control Corporation, acquired in 1972. As a newspaper headline from the time proclaimed, this acquisition marked the moment the “Gables Rescue Squad Entered the Electronic Age,” and it was a turning point in Coral Gables’ emergency treatment history, greatly improving the survival chances of heart attack victims.
Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa says: “We are honored to partner with the Coral Gables Museum on the Coral Gables Fire exhibition featuring the history of our Coral Gables Fire Department. Our legacy of service and dedication is woven into the century of service that is The City Beautiful and our community will appreciate it in our Museum.”
“This exhibition is one of our proudest moments, and we are twice as thrilled. First, because we get to celebrate with the sacrifice and commitment of our first responders in their Centennial; and secondly, because the 200+ artifacts and documents from the Fire Department’s archive on view are now part of our Permanent Collection,” said Elvis Fuentes, Executive Director of the Coral Gables Museum.
Firefighters have always been a favorite among children, and the little ones are not left out of this exhibition. In addition to visiting the exhibit, different educational activities will be organized for them throughout the show. Visitors of all ages will also find plenty of exciting photo opportunities with the many eye-catching artifacts on display.
Coral Gables Fire: A Century of Service is presented by the Coral Gables Fire Department with the generous support of Constellation Group with CORA Merrick Park and 4225 Ponce. The exhibition is curated by Yuneikys Villalonga, with the assistance of Simone Lee.
Many thanks to the Coral Gables Fire Department, especially Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa, Fire Staff Captain Anthony Jinette, Fire Staff Lieutenant Ishmael Roig, and Rescue Fire Lieutenant Samantha Putz. Their commitment and collaboration were instrumental in bringing this exhibition to life.