07/30/2026
Benny is a long time friend of mine and I don't normally post anything other than boa / animal related content on my page. I know there are first responders, public servants and leos in the reptile community and I'm just asking to send your thoughts and prayers to him and his family.
Our Brother Needs Us
While on a family vacation in Hawaii with his fiancée, Sam, their young daughter, Stella, and his mother, Irina, Captain Benny Bengter suffered a sudden and life-threatening medical emergency.
Benny was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition. He has undergone multiple surgeries, and his family has remained by his side every step of the way. Benny’s fight is far from over. He continues to require additional surgeries, and the road ahead remains uncertain.
If you’ve ever had the privilege of knowing Benny, you know exactly the kind of person he is.
Benny is an exceptional Fire Captain, a respected leader, a devoted father and fiancé, and the kind of friend who would give you the shirt off his back without ever expecting anything in return. Throughout his career with Tampa Fire Rescue, he has dedicated his life to serving our community, mentoring others, and always putting people before himself. He is deeply respected, genuinely loved, and the type of firefighter every department hopes to have.
Now it’s our turn to stand beside him.
From the moment we learned of Benny’s medical emergency, the International Association of Fire Fighters family immediately came together. Through IAFF District 12 Vice President Walt Dix, IAFF Local 754 was connected with IAFF Local 1463 in Honolulu. Hawaii Fire Fighters Association President Bobby Lee and the members of Local 1463 have gone above and beyond providing on-the-ground support and guidance while Benny’s family navigates this unimaginable situation thousands of miles from home.
Here in Tampa, Tampa Firefighters Local 754 has remained in constant communication with Benny’s family and ensuring his loved ones have one less thing to worry about while they remain focused on Benny’s recovery.
An emergency like this brings an overwhelming emotional and financial burden. Extended travel, lodging, meals, missed work, and the countless unexpected expenses that come with being away from home for an unknown period of time quickly add up.
To help ease that burden, the Firemen’s Benevolent Association of The City of Tampa, Inc, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has established a dedicated fund to assist Benny and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
❤️ If you would like to support Benny and his family, you can donate here:
https://buy.stripe.com/9B628r3qi5Zc79g8G6bsc02
If you would prefer to contribute by another method, including by check or another form of donation, please email [email protected], and we will coordinate directly with the Tampa Firefighters Benevolence.
Every donation, regardless of the amount, will go directly toward helping Benny and his family navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
If you are unable to donate, we simply ask that you continue keeping Benny, Sam, Stella, Irina, and the entire Bengter family in your thoughts and prayers.
The fire service is more than a profession. It’s a family. When one of us is hurting, we stand together.
Today, we’re asking you to stand with Benny.
On behalf of the Bengter family, thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and for supporting one of our own.
Nick Stocco
President
IAFF Local 754
