Madeira Beach Mayor Travis Palladeno, center, poses with city firefighters, from left, Andy Childers, Brian Autrey, Lt. Todd Elmscher and Frank Koulianos.
MADEIRA MEACH – Travis Palladeno has never been one to turn down a good challenge. So when a member of the Madeira Beach Fire Department recently challenged the Madeira Beach mayor to spend a shift working with the city fire department, Palladeno didn’t hesitate.
Palladeno said the challenge came about during a recent event at the Holiday Isles Masonic Lodge when Palladeno was cooking. It came from Madeira Beach firefighter Dominick Bueller.
So early on Dec. 14, Palladeno reported for duty at the fire station next to City Hall. Within the first three hours he was part of a call for a stuck elevator and another involving a stroke victim. After that he got to pull a 125-pound sled through the parking lot as part of the department’s regular exercise program.
His shift continued until early in the morning on Dec. 15.
“This gives me an idea, as an elected official what they do and gives me hands-on experience, which will help me make better decisions,” said Palladeno. “These guys are rock stars. I’m just honored to be able to ride with them for a day.”
Following the shift, Palladeno said the experience was very beneficial for him as decision maker with the city.
“It was an eye-opener and I recommend it to any elected official,” Palladeno said. “Those guys earn their money. Their professionalism is outstanding and it was great to see it first hand.”
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