
Captain Christopher “Benny” Benemio.
The City of Sunrise Fire Rescue Department is mourning the loss of retired Capt. Christopher “Benny” Benemio, who was a longtime firefighter and respected member of the South Florida fire-rescue community.
According to a statement from Sunrise Fire Rescue, Benemio, who began his career through the explorer program, was officially hired by the department on Nov. 5, 1990. Over the next three decades, he became a cornerstone of the department and a trusted leader within the profession.
Throughout his career, Benemio served on the Urban Search and Rescue Team Florida Task Force II, deploying to major disasters nationwide. His responses covered the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and multiple hurricanes, including Opal, Ivan, Charley, Frances, Irene, Katrina, and Maria.
According to Sunrise Fire Rescue, fellow firefighters said he represented Sunrise with professionalism and dedication on every deployment.
Benemio remains the only Sunrise Fire Rescue employee to have been named Firefighter of the Year twice, earning the honor in 1999 and 2004.
He retired on Oct. 11, 2024, concluding nearly 34 years of service to Sunrise residents, visitors, and business owners.
According to a statement, Benemio, affectionately known as “Benny,” leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, mentorship, and brotherhood.
Got News in Sunrise, Florida? Send it Here. Don’t Miss reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Margate Talk, and Tamarac Talk.
Author Profile
Latest entries
NewsFebruary 17, 2026Sunrise Fire Rescue Mourns Retired Capt. Christopher “Benny” Benemio, Two-Time Firefighter of the Year
NewsFebruary 10, 2026Thousands of Jobs Up for Grabs at South Florida Job Fair Feb. 19 in Sunrise
NewsFebruary 3, 2026Broward County Animal Care Highlights Derek and Momma Cat in Weekly Adoption Spotlight
NewsJanuary 28, 2026Harbor Freight Opens New Sunrise Store, Bringing Jobs and Discount Tools to Broward County


