My Clearwater
Farewell to Father Monteleone
Winter l Spring 51
Jerome Mourelatos, Our Hero
Clearwater Fire & Rescue Driver-Operator Jerome Mourelatos recently
was named the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National
Firefighter Award.
Fire Chief Scott Ehlers presented the award to Mourelatos during a shift in
September 2021.
Last year, Mourelatos recruited a team of volunteers from the fire
department and elsewhere to build a wheelchair ramp so a disabled 12-
year boy could make it in and out of his residence more easily. All of the
work was done on their own time and at their expense.
“Jerome epitomizes what we want our crew members to be – giving,
compassionate and always thinking about others,” Ehlers said. “He is a true
asset to our department and to our city.”
Mourelatos has been with the agency for 15 years.
Clearwater Fire & Rescue recently said farewell to its chaplain of nearly
two decades.
Father Jacob Monteleone was presented a shadow box in
September after having been with the agency for almost 20 years.
He was a frequent and friendly face around the fire stations in
Clearwater, dropping by to chat with crew members and to check in on
their well-being – especially after challenging calls that can take a toll.
“He went above and beyond,” Fire Chief Scott Ehlers said. “He became part
of the fire family.”