Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) is mourning the loss of Captain William "Bill" Gustin, a veteran with nearly 50 years of service, who died by suicide on Sunday in Doral. According to NBC Miami, Gustin joined the fire rescue team in 1978 and rose to the rank of captain. He led Engine 2, one of the busiest ladder companies in the U.S.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue paid tribute to Gustin, honoring his service in a Facebook post.
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared a video of firefighters saluting him and a procession with a stretcher draped in the American flag. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office confirmed that Gustin’s death was by suicide.
WSVN reported that Gustin was also a key educator and mentor. He was a founding member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Search & Rescue working group, helping to develop important safety protocols for firefighters.
"Capt. Gustin was not only a mentor & teacher, but also a hero. He was recognized by those in MDFR for his dedication to continuous learning & excellence. He embodied the best of the fire service: leading, coaching, mentoring & always being a friend. His legacy lives on in the thousands of firefighters he trained & the lives he touched," MDFR officials said, according to WSVN.
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz also expressed her condolences, emphasizing the mental health struggles often faced by first responders. Resources for suicide prevention, including those at firehero.org, are available to help firefighters dealing with similar challenges.
