MIAMI — The fire service community is mourning the unexpected passing of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Captain Bill Gustin, a 51-year veteran of the department and technical editor for Fire Engineering magazine. Gustin died on March 16 at the age of 70.
Beginning his fire service career in the Chicago area in 1973, Gustin was a third-generation firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both officers in the Chicago Fire Department. He joined Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in 1978, ascending to the rank of captain in 1986, and led Engine 2 for over three decades. At the time of his death, he was serving in the Training Division.
The department expressed profound grief over his passing, stating, “His legacy will forever be imprinted in our hearts and in the countless lives he touched through his unwavering dedication to the fire service.”
Gustin was known throughout the fire service for his extensive knowledge and dedication to training. He played a pivotal role in Miami-Dade’s Officer Development Program and was a founding member of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Working Group. His contributions to Fire Engineering as a technical editor and advisory board member of FDIC International influenced countless firefighters and departments nationwide.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Gustin received the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and was honored with the George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award in 2024.
