WATCH NOW: Miami Beach Firefighters Get Surprise Visit From Dad

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Ivan Chavez, who has been serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan for nearly a year, had a surprise homecoming with his children on Wednesday evening.

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The surprise came during the Miami Beach Fire promotion ceremony when Chavez walked across a crowded meeting room to greet his stunned children.

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A firefighter with the city of Miami when he is not serving in the military, Chavez surprised his son, Ivan, and daughter, Jasmine — who are in the Miami Beach Fire recruit program. Another son, Christian, is already a Miami Beach firefighter but was traveling.

Jasmin brushed away tears when her father made his appearance wearing fatigues.

"Seeing them and everything they've gone through just makes it that much more special," Chavez told reporters. "It's been 11 months that I haven't seen them."

His daughter described her family as very close. "My dad's amazing on so many different levels, both professionally and just as a father and it's been so long," she told reporters after the ceremony.

The elder Chavez served as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 with the marines.

"It was hard to keep it together. Welcome Home FF Chavez," tweeted Miami Fire Rescue after the event. "Thank you to our brothers & sisters at @CityofMiamiFire for being a part of such a beautiful surprise."

Chavez surprised his family after the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony was held at Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive.

Photo and video courtesy of city of Miami Beach