David Teems
February 14, 1939 - November 17, 2020
Key Largo, Florida - David Hendricks Teems, 81, of Key Largo, passed away peacefully on November 17th at Mariner’s Hospital in Tavernier, FL, of pulmonary fibrosis.
Born on Feb. 14, 1939, in Miami, David graduated from North Miami High School in 1956. He enlisted in the Navy in 1956 and was Honorably Discharged in 1962.
David joined the Miami Fire Department in Oct. 1964. He found his passion in the Fire Service and quickly ascended the ranks to become District Chief in March 1977. Appointed Fire Marshal in June 1978, he was an on scene Incident Commander during the Miami riots of May 1980. He was appointed Deputy Chief (Assistant Director) in May 1981, where he supervised the Building Official, Zoning Administrator, Inspection Services Chief and the Fire Marshal. Code enforcement to the neighborhoods was improved and the securing and demolition of unsafe structures was intensified. David then became the Deputy Chief of Operations in April 1986, excelling in that role until his retirement in June 1988, after nearly 24 years.
He was appointed Fire Administrator for Garland, Texas after successfully competing in a national recruiting program in June 1988. He created the policies and programs necessary to address department deficiencies outlined in an independent study. In January 1990, he left Garland to return to his South Florida roots.
David was appointed the Fire Rescue Administrator for Coral Gables in February 1990. His main goal was to procure a Class 1 rating for the department by the Insurance Services Office. He succeeded when there were only 14 Class 1 rated cities nationwide. Under his leadership, extrication from vehicles became a focus. A National and International award-winning extrication team was formed, raising the level of technical proficiency to better serve the community. This team continues to excel today. David was instrumental in the recovery of South Florida after Hurricane Andrew devastated the area in 1992 by recommending stronger building codes. In February 1996, accomplishing his major goals, he retired after 32 years in the Fire Service to live in Key Largo.
David obtained a BS in Professional Studies from Barry University in May 1980 and an AS from Miami-Dade CC in Fire Service Administration. He held numerous special positions, including President of the Miami Fire Officers Association and Building Official of the Year in 1986 for the South FL District. There can be no doubt that his 32 years in the Fire Service left an immeasurable impact on the cities and firefighters he courageously and boldly served and mentored. He inspired his son Daniel, as well as grandsons Curtis and Nicholas, to join the Fire Service, following in his footsteps.
David enjoyed all water activities, especially free dive spearfishing. There was never a lack of fresh fish in his household. He retired at 57 and spent the rest of his years in the Keys sunshine, soaking in every moment. He was a voracious reader and historian with an incredible memory. He traveled to exotic places such as Tahiti, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos and European river cruises.
He is predeceased by his father Curtis Teems, his mother Pauline Fortney, stepfather Jack Fortney, brothers Dale and Don, and granddaughter Bridgette.
He is survived by his wife, Margarita Echeverri Teems, his sons John (Teri) and Daniel (Renée), grandchildren Curtis, Christine, Megan, Nicholas and Emily, great-grandchildren Justin and Daniel, and first wife Pat Teems. There are many more loved ones, lifelong friends, and career mentors and mentees who will miss him dearly. David was loved and adored by his family, and he was equally respected and admired by the firefighter community. He will be remembered for his selfless service and the quiet strength that radiated from within him. A celebration of life will be announced for family and friends in the coming months.