Monroe County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Arturo Aulet has been named the latest "Neighbor of the Week" by Keys Weekly, highlighting his 12 years of service with the county and his deep roots in the Florida Keys community.

A Lifelong Keys Resident

Aulet, who has lived in the Keys for 33 years, moved to the islands from Miami as a young child. He attended local schools, including Key Largo School, Coral Shores High School, and the College of the Florida Keys. His decision to remain in the Keys was significantly influenced by his family, including his mother and a sister who also resides in the area with her children.

His career in emergency services began with a five-year tenure at the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department before he joined Monroe County Fire Rescue. For the past six years, Aulet has served as a lieutenant. He shared that his late father, a firefighter for 27 years, was a major inspiration for his own career choice, citing the strong sense of community within the fire service as a significant draw.

Community and Family Focus

Outside of his professional life, Aulet's primary focus is his 6-year-old daughter, Anastasia, a first-grader at Treasure Village Montessori. He describes chasing after his daughter and spending time with his family as his main hobbies, emphasizing the importance of these connections. He also enjoys being outdoors and staying active.

When reflecting on his life, Aulet expressed immense pride in his daughter, calling her the "single greatest thing" he has accomplished. He described her as having an "amazing heart" and being exceptionally kind and sweet, finding joy in watching her grow.

Unique Experiences and Aspirations

Aulet recounted a memorable emergency call to a nude beach in the Lower Keys, where his team had to trek a significant distance with medical equipment to reach an intoxicated individual. He humorously noted that they were quite a spectacle to the beachgoers.

If granted a superpower, Aulet said he would choose the ability to fly, citing the current high gas prices as a practical motivation. For leisure reading, he favors J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," which he credits with sparking his interest in reading. His favorite film is "Step Brothers."

Looking ahead, Aulet expressed an interest in mastering woodworking, viewing it as a potentially peaceful and beautiful craft. He also mentioned Ernest Hemingway as an ideal dinner companion, eager to hear about the Keys during Hemingway's time and his global travels.

When asked about daily challenges, Aulet pointed to parenthood, striving to be the best version of himself for his daughter each day. He prefers to view life's difficulties not as regrets, but as lessons learned through its inevitable ups and downs.

Keys Weekly's "Neighbor of the Week" feature aims to recognize more of the many community members who contribute to the fabric of the Florida Keys. For more local news and updates, readers can visit Keys Weekly.

Information regarding local emergency services and community resources can often be found through official Monroe County channels, including the Monroe County Fire Rescue department website.