Ex-firefighters charged with manslaughter after deadly training exercise in Virginia Gardens

Two former Miami-Dade firefighters have been charged with manslaughter after one of their sons died in an unauthorized training exercise in 2024.  

Francisco A. Camero and Rafael Fernandez were booked into Miami-Dade County jail on Friday. They're charged with manslaughter and culpable negligence.

Camero and Fernandez were among the three employees who resigned after the fatal fire that happened at the three-story building in the 6500 block of Northwest 36th Street in Virginia Gardens.

Fabian Camero, the 28-year-old son of Francisco Camero, was rushed to the hospital after being critically injured and died a day later.

The tragic death launched a multi-department. Firefighter Steven Colon also resigned.

According to arrest paperwork, Camero and Fernandez were in charge of a training program instructing a group of visiting international firefighters. Camero brought his sons Fabian and Lorenzo to “gain experience in fire rescue…” but the pair "were left unattended on the third floor of the structure directly adjacent to the ignited barrels."

Fabian Camero died from smoke inhalation. Investigators said a third unauthorized person present at the training heard Fabian’s breathing apparatus start to lose air.

After Fabian Camero collapsed, she and Lorenzo Camero were forced to leave Fabian behind in order to get to safety.

Firefighters later found Fabian “unresponsive and not breathing."

Investigators said the protective gear Fabian was wearing “was outdated and did not properly fit him…” and “the critical breathing equipment and safety alert systems “were not functioning properly.”

Law enforcement and fire department sources tell NBC6 others involved in the training exercise are expected to turn themselves in. It’s unclear how many and what chargers they will be facing.

Fabian Camero, a certified EMT, was not employed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

"We are moving forward making sure that oversight, policy and procedures are put in place, making sure that this never happens again," said Miami-Dade Fire Chief Ray Jadallah.

In court Friday, a judge lowered the bond for Francisco Camero after reading the details of the case.

"I know it was an accident, he wasn't intending for his son to be killed," Judge Mindy S. Glazer said.

An attorney representing Fernandez told NBC6 this was nothing but an accident.

"This is a tragic accident, one which we intend on dealing with properly and in due course, and hopefully the facts and circumstances will show exactly what this is and nothing more," Michael Haber said.

NBC6 also reached out to an attorney for Francisco Camero but did not hear back.

The department was conducting training that day at the building, despite having a training facility at its headquarters just three miles away. At the time the building’s owner told NBC6 they had a verbal agreement with the department to allow them to do “non-destructive” training.

In August, Miami-Dade County's Chief of Public Safety James Reyes confirmed that his department did not authorize the training exercise.

"We are committed to full accountability, and very, very sad about the incident," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said.

NBC6 has been requesting public records related to this training exercise as well as any incident reports detailing what first responders found at the scene.

NBC6 contacted the sheriff’s office and MDFR to get more information.

In a statement, the fire department said: "Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) was notified of the pending arrest of two of our former employees involved in a tragic, unsanctioned, training exercise that occurred on June 21, 2024, in Virginia Gardens. In response to this tragedy, a comprehensive investigation was initiated by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with MDFR, the State Attorney's Office, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. As a result of the findings, the employees involved in the incident are no longer employed with MDFR and are currently facing charges. MDFR is committed to the safety and well-being of all personnel, and our Department remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability."