Family of slain Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employee seek donations

Elio Acosta was shot, killed Wednesday

Elio Acosta.

MIAMI – The family of Elio Acosta, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employee who was shot and killed Wednesday, is devastated by their loss.

They also said they don't have enough money to give him a proper burial.

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Acosta was less than a year away from retirement.

"This was very sudden for me," said son Mike Acosta.

Acosta, a college student, said he and his sister bear the burden of paying for the funeral. He is grateful the Firefighters union has set up a trust fund for his father.

"He always had a smile on his face. Always knew how to cheer everyone up. You never saw him down," Acosta said.

Police haven't released a motive in the killings. Suspected gunman Roberto Sousa allegedly shot two other men, including Elio Acosta, before killing himself.

Donations can be made to:

Metro-Dade Firefighter Charities
C/O Elio Acosta
IAFF Local 1403
8000 NW 21st Street Suite 222
Miami, FL
305-593-6100