Merry Christmas!

Last night, Christmas Eve, was another magical night here in the Town of Melbourne Beach. Santa made an early appearance as he delivered presents to every street in town alongside the new MBVFD fire truck. This annual tradition is alive and well after 41 years. The fire engine whistled through town tooting it’s friendly horn on this joyous occasion. Families were delighted to receive a gift from Santa!

Truth and Accuracy Matter would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to Chief Brown and all the volunteer firefighters for organizing this very special event called, Christmas Eve Santa Run. It is no wonder to us that our Fire Chief, Gavin Brown received the Fire Chief of the Year award for the entire Space Coast. Other awards in our department were received. Please read the following announcement:

“Today we celebrate an extraordinary achievement for the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department. In 2025 our hometown department produced the Space Coast Fire Chief of the Year (Gavin Brown), the Space Coast Fire Marshal of the Year (Dave Micka), and the Space Coast Volunteer Firefighter of the Year (Amber Brown). For a small volunteer department to beat every other department in Brevard County — paid and volunteer alike — is nothing short of remarkable. This marks the first time Melbourne Beach has earned Fire Chief or Fire Marshal of the Year and only the second time a department volunteer has been so honored. Congratulations, Fire Chief Gavin Brown, Fire Marshal Dave Micka, and Volunteer, Lieutenant Amber Brown!” 🔥🚒👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

Why this matters…

These awards recognize exceptional leadership, professionalism, and bravery — qualities that protect every resident and visitor in our town. They validate years of training, long hours of service, and a steadfast commitment to public safety by people who volunteer because they care.

Fire Chief Gavin Brown was also featured in an article in Space Coast Daily with Governor Ron DeSantis and other community leaders in October 2025 for being recognized during National First Responders Day. Clip from the article: Chief Gavin Brown, Fire Chief, Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department – “To me, National First Responders Day is a chance to recognize the men and women who have chosen to answer a higher calling and selflessly dedicate their lives to serving our community in a way that many will never fully understand.

As Fire Chief of one of our area’s few remaining volunteer fire departments, I’m continually humbled by the dedication and commitment of my members.  These are ordinary people who make extraordinary sacrifices, leaving their homes, families, and jobs at a moment’s notice to help someone in need.  They are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to help someone they don’t know and may never meet again.  That’s the true spirit of a first responder, and that’s why we stop for a brief moment and honor them today.”

To read the full article, CLICK HERE

This recognition comes in a year when our fire department faced tough challenges. Some people in our town, including Mayor Dennington, made accusations against Chief Brown and his team. Unfounded attacks from elected Town officials and others in our town who just don’t understand or appreciate the work and dedication of our Fire Chief and his team do nothing to help the community. Mayor Dennington circulated damaging accusations and disparaging emails aimed at Chief Brown. She even went so far as to contact FEMA with false, negative information, which may have contributed to the loss of the SAFER grant that would have benefited the whole town. CLICK HERE to read about the Mayor’s deception.

Despite Mayor Dennington and her baseless attacks and accusations, truth prevailed. Our firefighters stayed focused on their important job and remained diligent in their dedication. Regardless of those attempts to undermine morale and resources, the MBVFD responded with professionalism and focus on the mission: protecting the community. Being recognized by the Space Coast shows that they are doing an amazing job and highlights their competence and character.

To Chief Brown, Fire Marshal Micka, Amber Brown, and every member of the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department: WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU and WE THANK YOU ! Thank you for sponsoring our very special Town traditions like the Christmas Eve Santa Run. Without YOU, we would not be the special little beach town that we are! Your dedication and achievements are appreciated by all of us in town who understand that Truth and Accuracy really does matter… now more than ever.

As we head into the New Year, we encourage all readers to stand with us in honoring our fire department. Celebrate their success. Demand that public discourse about those who protect us be fair, factual, and focused on what really matters — community safety.

For News and Updates from Truth and Accuracy Matter, CLICK HERE