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Lake County Fire Honor Guard Presenting The Colors |
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Tavares, FL
Lake County Firefighters took a night to honor their firefighters that retired in 2014 by hosting the Lake County Fireman’s Ball. As bagpipes filled the air with music, the Lake County Honor Guard brought everyone in the room to attention as they ceremoniously presented the flags to post near the stage to start the ball. Over 100 firefighters, friends and family gathered together for the annual Lake County Fireman’s Ball to say well done and farewell to retiring firefighters.
“We are sad to lose these firefighters – these leaders in our department, but proud to honor the time and dedication they committed to Lake County” explains Lt. Brian Gamble, Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Lake County. “These firefighters have given 110% to Lake County during the time they have served and should enjoy a well-deserved retirement. We will truly miss them. They are taking with them over 102 years of experience”.
Lt. Ed Genter served 27 years with Lake County, Lt. Roger Minger with 31 years of fire service, Lt. Mike Bass with over 26 years of service, Lt. Jared Mielke with 12 years of service, and Captain JB Blackwell with over 27 years of service to Lake County rounded out the retirees and guests of honor of the Fireman’s Ball. Each retiree was presented a commemorative axe mounted on a wall plate engraved with their name and years of service by President Steve LaFleur.
In addition to honoring retirees, several other firefighters were recognized for outstanding dedication to the job. Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Roudabush and Firefighter Gayla Haight received the Lifesaver Award bestowed by the American Heart Association for using CPR and Advanced Life Support skills to save a life. This award was given for the two firefighter’s efforts in providing life-saving skills to a Lake County resident on the side of the road in the Altoona area. The man had collapsed in a field and suffered a heart attack. The two quickly responded from the Altoona fire station and revived the man from cardiac arrest. Unbeknownst to the rescuers, the man was the brother of a Lake County Firefighter. He later walked out of the hospital after a full recovery.
Other awards given out were the President’s Award given to Lieutenant Kris Bush for his outstanding dedication and commitment to helping other firefighters and the citizens of Lake County. Aidan Holmes, an office associate for Lake County Fire Rescue received the True Hero award. This award is for those that work behind the scenes to help the department run smoothly and efficiently.
Gamble continues, “It is a great night for everyone. We are proud of all of these firefighters and their service to Lake County. Having friends, family and even other firefighters from other departments come out to help us honor these firefighters is truly a testament of their dedication and all they have done during their careers.” Lake County Fire Rescue was created in 1985 to consolidate individual fire districts and currently has 25 stations around Lake County with firefighters responding to over 20,000 calls for service each year, including providing Advance Life Support, Special Operations, Urban Search and Rescue, and fire suppression.
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