Names of Central Florida firefighters killed in line of duty added to Fallen Firefighter Memorial

OCALA, Fla. — Each year, members of the fire service community and their families gather at Florida State Fire College in Ocala to honor firefighters from across Florida who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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At a ceremony on Nov. 18, the names of 16 firefighters were added to that list.

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CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said the ceremony honors the sacrifice that first responders make every day.

“From 9/11 to the Surfside condo collapse and Hurricane Ian, these brave men and women willingly leave their families behind and run toward danger to save the lives of others,” Patronis said.

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Among the 16 firefighters honored this year, six are from Central Florida:

Dennis Sams — Satellite Beach Fire Rescue

Dustin C. Schieber — Seminole County Fire Department

Scott E. Allender — Melbourne Fire Department

Mitchell R. Weldon — Cocoa Fire Rescue

Douglas Clemons — Polk County Fire Rescue

James S. Hunt — Melbourne Fire Department

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More information on Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial can be found here.

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