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**PHOTO RELEASE** CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried Honor Florida’s Fallen Firefighters

2/4/2020

Patronis speaking at Ringing The Bell ceremony

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis was joined by Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried in honoring Florida’s 200 fallen firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 'Ringing of the Bell' Ceremony. In 2019, Florida lost three firefighters including Barry Boulton, Sr. Lieutenant, Plantation Fire Department; Brad Gregrich, FF/EMT, DeSoto County Fire Rescue; and Robert D. Tabor, Forestry, Rayonier Corporation.

 CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Today’s Ringing of the Bell Ceremony serves as a humbling reminder of the sacrifices made every day by Florida’s brave firefighters and dedicated first responders. While words cannot express the great appreciation we have for the selfless service of these courageous men and women, we will never forget their commitment and dedication to the safety of our communities and protecting the state of Florida.”
 
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “I was proud to join CFO Patronis and Cabinet members to honor our state’s firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. These brave men and women run into danger, putting themselves at risk in defense of the safety of others. That’s a noble calling, and those that gave everything deserve our respect and admiration. God bless them and God bless their memory.”
 
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Today, we remembered the brave Florida firefighters lost in the line of duty and honor the heroes that chose to dedicate their lives to protect us. They serve, knowing that each shift may be their last, and for that, we remain extraordinarily grateful.”
 
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said, “We owe all emergency responders our deepest gratitude and highest level of respect for the sacrifices they make to protect the lives and properties of others. But we owe a different, special kind of gratitude to those who lose their lives in the line of duty protecting people they have never even met. This Firefighter Memorial Monument is a strong symbol of their service and fitting reminder that their commitment was unmatched.”

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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).

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