TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— 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 2019 Fire Service Awards at the Florida Capitol. Each individual or facility was nominated and selected by various fire service organizations across Florida.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “I was proud to honor the outstanding members of Florida’s brave firefighting community who work so tirelessly to protect us. Our first responders are the lifeblood of our communities and these brave men and women exemplify the hard work, courage, dedication and integrity necessary to ensure the health and safety of all of Floridians. I cannot thank these firefighters enough for their outstanding service to their communities and our great state.”

The following recipients recognized at the ceremony are from Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Marion counties:

Florida Career Firefighter of the Year – Jason Wheat of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department

Florida Fire Marshal of the Year – Wendy Niles of Lake Mary Fire Department

Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year – Rick Spence of the Reedy Creek Fire Department

Florida Fire Service Instructor of the Year – Michael Swartz of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala

Click here for the full list of those honored at the 2019 Fire Service Awards.

Florida Career Firefighter of the Year – Jason Wheat of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department

Florida Fire Marshal of the Year – Wendy Niles of Lake Mary Fire Department

Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year – Rick Spence of the Reedy Creek Fire Department

Florida Fire Service Instructor of the Year – Michael Swartz of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala