Pat began his career at Iona in 1984 as a firefighter, the following year he was promoted to Engineer and then in 1990 to Lieutenant. His focus turned to education, earning an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology from Edison College and a Bachelors’ Degree in Public Administration from Barry University. In 2004 he took a management position as Battalion Chief (Shift Commander) with the District and since 2006 he has served as Iona's Division Chief of Operations.
Since its inception Pat has served on the Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue Team (Local resource), also known as Florida Task Force 6 (State resource). His start on the team was as a Rescue Officer, then eventually as Rescue Manager, and now as a Task Force Leader. This USAR team has been deployed to various disasters both locally and throughout the State of Florida.
Chief Meredith lives on a small horse farm in Alva with Tami, his wife of 24 years, and their two boys Caleb and Matthew. In his spare time he enjoys hunting, fishing, and barbeques with family and friends. His future plans include retiring in 2014, moving to Virginia, buying a motor home and touring the country.
Barry began his career at Iona as a volunteer in 1983 as a firefighter. He was hired full time in 1985 and was promoted to Engineer/Driver in 1990.
Barry then turned his focus to education earning nine different state certifications and in 2002 received an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science Technology from Pikes Peak Community College. Barry has become a subject matter expert in fire apparatus pumps and equipment and has appeared in five nationally published fire training videos for Working Fire Production Company. Barry was promoted to Battalion Chief/Shift Commander in October 2006 and is currently pursuing his Bachelors’ Degree in Public Safety Administration from Edison Community College.
Battalion Chief Ashman lives in the small community of Buckingham with Jackie, his wife of nine years, their four-year-old son Parker, and the family’s Black Labrador Retriever, Pierce. Barry enjoys school, mountain biking, going to Daytona for the NASCAR races, Disney World, swimming, and spending time with his son. His future plans include retiring someday, moving to North Carolina, and purchasing a motor home to travel with his family.
Jeff started his career as a professional firefighter in Lee County in 1981 and came to work with Iona McGregor in 1985. Through the years, Jeff has progressed through the ranks and was promoted to Battalion Chief in October, 2006.
Currently, Chief Berndt is actively pursuing his Bachelors’ Degree in Public Management at Edison College and making plans for his fire service “after-life”.
Chief Berndt lives in Buckingham. In his spare time, Jeff raises parrots, participates in his son’s school functions, and plans his next trip to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.
Carl started his employment with the department in 1984. He became the “A” Shift Battalion Chief in 1986, and held that position until 2006 when he became the “C” Shift Battalion Chief.