People

Many instructors and staff for the Emergency Medical Services programs at Palm Beach State College also work for local fire-rescue departments. Ask any student—no one makes learning more relevant than a professional who’s just come off shift, such as Battalion Chief Bruce Arbeit or Lt. Jorge Cardoso, firefighter.

Arbeit and Cardoso were both recently recognized by their other employer—Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue—each winning the annual top prize for their rank.

Arbeit, the clinical coordinator for PBSC’s Paramedic and EMT programs, was chosen as Chief of the Year. The battalion chief for Battalion Two in Wellington, he was selected out of about 50 others with the rank of chief, including district, deputy and administrative chiefs. Arbeit has been with PBC Fire-Rescue since 1977 and is a past recipient of several “of the Year” awards in various capacities as well as distinguished service honors. He joined the College as an instructor in 1999 and became the clinical coordinator in 2001. In this role, he oversees the students’ clinical rotations at local hospitals and fire-rescue departments. Arbeit manages the clinical sites and all aspects the students’ field experience, ensuring that they master all required skills.

Cardoso, an EMS instructor, was chosen as Firefighter of the Year. Currently a lieutenant, he has 15 years of experience with PBC Fire-Rescue and is one of more than 1,300 firefighters spread across three shifts, working out of 49 stations, comprising eight battalions. A graduate of the College’s EMS A.S. degree and Paramedic programs, Cardoso teaches paramedic labs in which students learn and practice life-saving skills.

“I believe it is my duty to teach and mentor the future generation of paramedics and firefighters,” says Cardoso. “It’s truly an honor and privilege to have been recognized for this award, considering the many other great employees from this organization. I love being a public servant and treating the citizens of Palm Beach County.”

“It’s wonderful to have our staff and faculty recognized outside of the College,” says Barbara Cipriano, associate dean for Public Safety programs. “These professionals who bring their life and career experience to our students are just so important. They bring with them the newest and latest issues and problems—nothing’s dated, it’s all current.”

The awards were presented at a ceremony held April 21 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Employees of all ranks were honored, as well as “Call of the Year,” going to the team that tackled the most challenging emergency. PBC Fire-Rescue covers 1,762 square land miles, encompassing unincorporated Palm Beach County and 19 municipalities, home to 892,680 people. In 2016, the total number of calls handled was 132,716.