Introduction to the Case
The former Miami-Dade firefighter whose son was killed in an unauthorized training exercise has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Francisco A. Camero, the father of 28-year-old Fabian Camero, and former Lt. Rafael Fernandez are charged with manslaughter and two counts of culpable negligence.
Background of the Incident
Camero and Fernandez were among the three employees who resigned after the fatal fire that happened at the three-story building in the 6500 block of Northwest 36th Street in Virginia Gardens. Fabian Camero was rushed to the hospital after being critically injured and died a day later. The tragic death launched a multi-department investigation. Firefighter Steven Colon also resigned.
Details of the Training Exercise
According to arrest paperwork, Camero and Fernandez were in charge of a training program instructing a group of visiting international firefighters. Camero brought his sons Fabian and Lorenzo to “gain experience in fire rescue…” but the pair "were left unattended on the third floor of the structure directly adjacent to the ignited barrels." When they tried to leave because the smoke became too thick, they ran into a third unauthorized person present at the training. She heard Fabian Camero’s breathing apparatus start to lose air, and he collapsed. She and Lorenzo Camero were forced to leave Fabian behind in order to get to safety, the warrant states.
Francisco Camero (left) and Rafael Fernandez (right)
Investigation Findings
Firefighters later found Fabian “unresponsive and not breathing." It was determined that he died from smoke inhalation. Investigators said the protective gear Fabian was wearing “was outdated and did not properly fit him…” and “the critical breathing equipment and safety alert systems “were not functioning properly.” Fabian Camero, a certified EMT, was not employed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The arrest warrant also states that the woman who was also not authorized to be there got out of the building with "her entire body… covered in soot." After she told Fernandez that she was OK, he allegedly told her to leave the scene. The document alleges that she "suffered several burns from the incident."
Comments from Authorities
The department was conducting training that day at the building, despite having a training facility at its headquarters just three miles away. At the time, the building’s owner told NBC6 they had a verbal agreement with the department to allow them to do “non-destructive” training. "We are moving forward making sure that oversight, policy and procedures are put in place, making sure that this never happens again," said Miami-Dade Fire Chief Ray Jadallah in February. In court in February, a judge lowered the bond for Francisco Camero after reading the details of the case. "I know it was an accident, he wasn’t intending for his son to be killed," Judge Mindy S. Glazer said. In August of 2024, Miami-Dade County’s Chief of Public Safety James Reyes confirmed that his department did not authorize the training exercise.
Conclusion
The death of Fabian Camero during an unauthorized training exercise has led to significant repercussions, including the resignation of three firefighters and charges of manslaughter and culpable negligence against two of them. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols and obtaining proper authorization for training exercises. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability within fire departments to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What were the charges against Francisco Camero and Rafael Fernandez?
A: They were charged with manslaughter and two counts of culpable negligence. - Q: What was the cause of Fabian Camero’s death?
A: Fabian Camero died from smoke inhalation. - Q: Was the training exercise authorized by Miami-Dade County’s department?
A: No, according to Miami-Dade County’s Chief of Public Safety James Reyes, the department did not authorize the training exercise. - Q: What actions are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
A: Miami-Dade Fire Chief Ray Jadallah stated that the department is moving forward with implementing oversight, policy, and procedures to ensure such an incident never happens again.
