Pembroke Pines honors firefighters, CRNAs and Holocaust Remembrance in commission recognitions

The Pembroke Pines City Commission used its presentations portion to recognize public-safety and health professionals and to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Fire Chief Marcelino Rodriguez announced that Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue earned the State of Florida Pediatric Ready Gold Tier Recognition for pediatric emergency preparedness, saying state reviewers found zero deficiencies and asked to use the department’s materials as best-practice guidance. Mayor Angelo Castillo presented a plaque and thanked the department for its work.

The commission also proclaimed National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week; a representative from Barry University — which trains CRNAs — thanked the commission for the recognition and noted the profession’s role in perioperative care.

Later, the commission showed recorded testimony from local Holocaust survivors and unanimously proclaimed Jan. 27, 2026 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pembroke Pines. A local rabbi and commissioners emphasized remembrance, education and the city’s commitment to standing against antisemitism and all forms of hatred.

These items were ceremonial but highlighted ongoing civic priorities: emergency preparedness, workforce recognition in health care, and community education about historical atrocities.

Next steps: the city said it will preserve survivor videos for use in schools and encouraged continued community remembrance events.