Ft. Lauderdale Deputy Fire Chief Chantel Botting Honors Coral Springs Fire Chief John Whalen for Outstanding Service
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, August 1, 2024 – At the monthly Fire Chief’s Association of Broward County (FCABC) meeting held on Thursday, August 1st, Ft. Lauderdale Deputy Fire Chief Chantel Botting presented Coral Springs Fire Chief John Whalen with a stunning acrylic award. This award recognizes Chief Whalen’s outstanding service as co-chair of the FCABC Safety & Health Subcommittee since its inception in 2018. The inscription on the award reads:
“In recognition of your outstanding service as co-chair of the FCABC Safety & Health Subcommittee since its inception in 2018. Your leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the success of the committee and we thank you for your commitment to the improvement of safety and health within the fire service.”
Chief John Whalen’s career spans 28 years, during which he has held nearly every position within the fire service industry. His tenure as Deputy Fire Chief from February 2020 to June 2024 saw him overseeing in-service training, EMS, and Special Operations, in addition to managing all emergency responders in the cities of Coral Springs and Parkland. Whalen’s interim role as Fire Chief in 2019, selected by former Fire Chief Frank Babinec, demonstrated his exceptional leadership and dedication, leading to his promotion to Deputy Chief.
Chief Whalen’s contributions extend beyond operations. As a lead instructor at the Coral Springs Fire Academy since 2000, he helped develop the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program for the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety. He also served as the Health and Safety Officer for the department from 2015 through 2019, working on key projects related to Safety, Health, and Wellness, including Clean Cab Design, Exposure Reduction, and Peer/Mental Health Support.
In addition to his roles within the Coral Springs Fire Department, Chief Whalen has been an active member of the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County. His service as co-chair of the Safety and Health Subcommittee and Interim Chair of the State Section on Safety and Health underscores his commitment to the wellbeing of first responders. He holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), as well as Fire Officer IV and Fire Instructor III certifications from the State of Florida, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
Chief Whalen’s storied career and ongoing dedication continue to make a significant impact on the safety and health of the fire service community and the residents of Coral Springs.