“I believe that the change coming in the next 10 years will be faster than the change I’ve seen in the last 40 years.”

Chief Darrel Donatto

Why did you become a firefighter?

When Chief Darrel Donatto was 14 years old, his boy scout troop visited a nearby fire station. His passion was sparked. He went on to be a junior firefighter at age 16, and enrolled in EMT school at 17. He wanted to make sure he was able to join the fire department as soon as he turned 18.

He applied shortly after his 18th birthday and earned a position at Riviera Beach Fire Rescue. Chief Donatto has been making a difference ever since that day, helping those around him make the world a better place.

Today, Chief Donatto is the Fire Rescue Chief for Palm Beach Fire Rescue, a position he’s held since February of 2018. He is also the Past-President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association after serving as president in 2019/20.

Throughout his illustrious career, Chief Donatto has earned the EMS Lifetime Achievement Award from the Palm Beach County EMS Providers Association and was recognized as one of the Palm Beach Elite: 100 People Who Get Things Done. He has also earned Fire Chief of the Year from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association (2016), the State of Florida Fire Marshal’s Office (2017), and the Southeast Association of Fire Chiefs (2017).

What advice do you have for other firefighters?

Find a mentor and listen to them.

The biggest impact upon Chief Donatto throughout his career came from a mentor who took him under his wing early on. “It’s important to find a mentor who has done what you want to do and someone who’s well-respected up and down the chain of command,” Chief Donatto added.

Captain Dempsey Hamilton was Donatto’s first and most influential mentor. Knowing that he wanted to excel in the ranks of the fire service, Mr. Donatto found several mentors who held the most distinguished position in their respective departments. Chief Kary Koen, Chief Bob Rehr, and Chief Herman Brice were influential and inspirational for Donatto throughout his career.

These mentors constantly shared their wisdom, advice and encouragement with Mr. Donatto. One piece of advice that he took to heart was to get involved outside of his own organization. As a result, he was able to have a positive impact on his area, state, and even his country.

How did your role as president of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association change your impact?

Chief Donatto has been involved with the Florida Fire Chiefs Association (FFCA) for more than two decades. From when he started with the FFCA to now, not much has changed for him.

He didn’t do anything different before he was president and he continues to do the same thing today. He always works as hard as he can to advance the fire service, making it safer for firefighters and the community.

The FFCA plays a big role in state and nationwide advancement for the fire service. Chief Donatto encourages others to get involved with their state associations so they can contribute to making the fire service better for everyone.

What changes do you foresee in the fire service?

“Change is good, despite what others might say,” Chief Donatto chuckled. “I believe that the change coming in the next 10 years will be faster than the change I’ve seen in the last 40 years.”

There is more information coming forward all the time. “We’re gaining a new understanding of fire and how to combat it,” Chief Donatto noted. Chief Donatto believes that the increasingly accessible information and new technology that’s being introduced each year will rapidly advance the fire service.

With this new technology, people will be safer in communities and in the fire service. Palm Beach Fire Rescue is focused leveraging this technology to improve safety and efficiency in a cost-effective manner.

The stories that Chief Donatto shared focus on the lasting impact that one can have to make the world a better place.

Early in his career, Mr. Donatto made a mistake and his mentor, Captain Hamilton, laid into him for it. Captain Hamilton knew that Donatto had a bright future and he just needed to give him a little guidance. Chief Donatto credits Captain Hamilton for his mentorship in that moment because he was able to learn from that mistake and go on to accomplish great things in his career.

Chief Donatto learned the impact he could have on others when he responded to a dire situation at a nearby construction site.

The call came in for two construction workers who needed resuscitation. They were lifting a beam and struck a power pole on the way up. Both of the patients were in cardiac arrest. Donatto and two EMTs immediately went to work and were able to bring both of the gentlemen back.

Mr. Donatto went on another call right after that and then returned to the hospital to check on the two men he had just revived. To his joy, both were awake and talking with their families. This left a lasting impression on Chief Donatto and it reminded him of the importance of his job.

Later in his career, Chief Donatto returned the favor that Captain Dempsey had done for him years before.

When a young firefighter under his command made a mistake, Donatto reflected on the time that his mentor guided him in the right direction. Chief Donatto knew that the young firefighter had great potential and he could learn from his mistake. Donatto sat him down and taught him a lesson that likely changed his trajectory in the fire service.

That young firefighter has since gone on to have a successful career and has given back to his community and crews just like Chief Donatto has and Captain Dempsey had before him.