CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Recognizes International Firefighters’ Day and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
For Immediate Release: Friday,
May 3, 2024
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com,
850.413.2842
CFO
and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Recognizes International Firefighters’ Day
and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today,
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued two
proclamations recognizing May 4, 2024 as International
Firefighters’ Day and May 5, 2024 as National
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. National Firefighter’s Day highlights the
duty and bravery of firefighters around the country who put their lives on the
line to protect life and property. National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
honors firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their
lives to save others.
CFO and State Fire
Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “As we enter this weekend to spend
time with friends and family, I am asking Floridians across the state to take
some time to think about all those firefighters who work 24/7/365 to keep our
communities safe. Also, please say a prayer for those families who have lost
their loved ones in the line of duty. These heroes give every last measure of
devotion to serve and protect their fellow citizens. We must never forget their
sacrifices, nor the families of those fallen heroes who continue to live every
day with an emptiness that can never be filled. To all of Florida’s
firefighters and fire service professionals, thank you for your dedication and
your service to our great state. To the families of the fallen, Katie and I
will continue to share our love and prayers with you as you mourn the loss of
your loved ones.”
INTERNATIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS’ DAY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS,
firefighters dedicate countless hours, selfless time away from their families,
and take ultimate risks to their lives to do their jobs for their communities;
and
WHEREAS, the
role of a firefighter is to respond to emergencies involving life, property, or
environment and to fight together against one common enemy that can destroy
lives; and
WHEREAS, most
people would risk their lives to save a family member, friend or even a pet,
but a firefighter makes the conscious decision daily to risk their lives for
those in their community that they have never met; and
WHEREAS, the
men and women of the fire service industry are a special group of individuals
that exude extraordinary commitment and exceptional courage to tirelessly work
in a profession whose focus is to serve and protect others; and
WHEREAS,
International Firefighters Day was created in 1999 after 5 firefighters died
tragically during a wildfire in Australia when the direction of the wind
changed suddenly and engulfed them in flames; and
WHEREAS,
International Firefighters Day is celebrated on May 4th because it is Saint
Florian’s Day, who was the first commanding firefighter of an actual Roman
battalion saving many lives and is considered the patron saint of firefighters;
and
WHEREAS,
International Firefighters Day is a time where the world’s community can
recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their
communities and environment are safe as possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of
the State of Florida does hereby recognize May 4th as
INTERNATIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS’ DAY
and encourage all citizens to
outwardly thank and show their appreciation to firefighters who dedicate their
lives to protect life and property to all Floridians.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the
Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his
name on the 4th day of May 2024.
NATIONAL
FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORAL DAY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the
United States Congress and the President of the United States have designated
the day of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service as a day to
honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their
lives to save others by lowering the American flag on all federal buildings to
half-staff; and
WHEREAS, an
average of 80 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line
of duty each year; and
WHEREAS,
firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the
protection of lives and property in our local community; and
WHEREAS, it
is of major importance that we increase our efforts to reduce deaths, injuries,
and property losses from fire; and
WHEREAS, in
my capacity as the Florida State Fire Marshal, I encourage all fire and
emergency personnel to participate in Bells Across America for Fallen
Firefighters, a recognition to toll a bell and pause for a moment of silence at
noon on May 5th to recognize the sacrifice of their fallen firefighters and
honor their families; and
WHEREAS, two
hundred and twenty-six firefighters will be added to the National Fallen
Firefighter Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, forever recognizing and honoring
their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and
State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby recognize
NATIONAL
FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL DAY
and
encourage all Floridians to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past
and present, who have rendered invaluable service to our community and
citizens.
IN
TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of
Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 5th day of May 2024.
###
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief
Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected
official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of
Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud,
support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to
support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department
on Facebook (FLDFS) and
X (@FLDFS).