For Immediate Release: Monday, December 12, 2022
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

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CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Honors Florida's Outstanding Firefighters During 2022 Fire Service Awards

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a ceremony in the Senate Chamber at the Florida Capitol today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis recognized members of Florida’s firefighting community for their outstanding accomplishments in the fire service industry during the 2022 Fire Service Awards. Each individual or facility was nominated and selected by various fire service organizations across Florida.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s first responders are the backbone of our state and I was honored today to recognize these outstanding members of Florida’s fire service community who work around the clock to protect Floridians. As we saw last year with the tragic Surfside building collapse and again this year following the impacts of Hurricane Ian, Florida’s dedicated firefighters run towards unbelievable danger at a moment’s notice to save lives. But it’s not just the firefighters that keep us safe, it’s the educators, inspectors, investigators, instructors, volunteers, and training centers that ensure we are protected – day in and day out. I cannot thank these heroes enough for their outstanding service and sacrifices on behalf of their communities and our great state.”

2021-22 Florida Fire Service Award Recipients

• Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex - 2021 Fire Service Training Center of the Year
• Francis Neeley – 2021 Forestry Firefighter of the Year – Withlacoochee Forestry Center
• Alexis Rothring – 2021 Fire and Life Safety Public Educator of the Year – San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District
• Lisa Brekke – 2022 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year – Pasco County Fire Rescue
• Matthew Doumas – 2021 Fire Inspector of the Year – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Tina O’Brien – 2022 Fire Inspector of the Year  - Lake Mary Fire Department
• Jeff Clare – 2021 Fire Investigator of the Year – Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
• Clu Wright – 2022 Fire Investigator of the Year – Putnam County Fire Rescue
• David DeRita – 2021 Fire Marshal of the Year – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Christopher Henry – 2022 Fire Marshal of the Year – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Jason Draper – 2022 Fire Service Instructor of the Year – Orange County Fire Rescue
• Brian Carroll – 2022 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year – Miccosukee Volunteer Fire Rescue
• Kyle Graham – 2022 Career Firefighter of the Year – Boca Raton Fire Rescue Service
• Nick Gradia – 2022 Professional Firefighter of the Year – Escambia County Fire Rescue
• Shayne Morgan – Chad Reed Emergency Management Professional of the Year - Columbia County Emergency Management
• James Large - Fire Chief of the Year – St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
  

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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).