Town Council Member Seat 3
Richard Ramirez
Richard Ramirez moved to South Florida when his father retired from the Army in 1977. His mother also served in the Army and retired from the Air Force reserve. In line with his family’s history of military service, Richard enrolled in the US Coast Guard just one year after graduation from South Dade High School in 1978.
Due to an injury, however, his military career was cut short, and he was placed in a clinic to work prior to his discharge. In response to his injury, he pivoted to work in the physical therapy department at the old Homestead Hospital, where he worked and taught for several years until he decided to apply to the Fire Department.
In early 2000, he began his firefighting career with Miami Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), serving out of Fire Station 34, located in Cutler Bay. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 2005, became a paramedic one year later, and served for 17 years on the Firefighter Union Executive Board.
Two months prior to his retirement from MDFR in 2020, Richard was hospitalized when he contracted COVID-19. The prognosis was grim, but he survived and has focused on staying positive throughout the process. While he continues to deal with long COVID conditions, he is appreciative of life and remains positive, as he believes this is the body’s strongest medicine.
Currently, he volunteers as the administrator of the Perrine Moose Lodge in Palmetto Bay—a nonprofit organization that serves those in need within our local community. He has 3 grown stepchildren and a grandbaby.
Richard will continue the direction Cutler Bay is headed and is committed to working hard and listen to the needs of the community to continue making Cutler Bay a wonderful Town.