Honoring our local heroes: Florida first responders appreciation week
Governor Rick Scott declared Jan. 4-8, 2016 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week, the second consecutive year he has proclaimed such a week of honor. In his official announcement he noted that two Florida first responders, Okaloosa Deputy Sheriff Bill Myers and Ocala Police Officer Jared Forsyth lost their lives in the line of duty last year and their sacrifices will forever be remembered.
“Each loss of a first responder is heartbreaking, and losing two heroes over the last year is a signal to all Floridians to pray for our men and women in uniform who protect our communities each day,” he wrote. “Florida’s first responders do not hesitate to risk their own lives in order to save the lives of others, and their commitment to continued training, skill enhancement, and inter-agency coordination make them vital members of every Florida community.”
The Log reached out to three Destin first response teams; Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Destin Fire Control District and Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services to honor someone who serves our local community.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office: Sgt. Ron Kimble
Personal Accomplishments: Has served the OCSO for 16 years. Is an agency firearms and defensive tactics instructor, part of the special response team and a volunteer with the addictions treatment program. He has also served as a K-9 officer and was named supervisor of the year in 2011.
Q: Why did you go into the public service career?
A: The opportunity to be in an outdoors type job that is constantly changing, always facing challenges, and being a role model or positive example to youngsters in the community.”
Q: As a first responder what makes you feel the most appreciated or proud of your job?
A: I think what I like most is being able to intervene for those who can’t help themselves, such as a child involved in a traumatic event or an abuse victim and give them a picture of normalcy.
Q: In your opinion what is the toughest part of being a first responder?
A: Probably the toughest part is when you realize your hands are so tied and you can’t help everyone escape the troubles they find themselves in.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like spending time with family mostly. I’ve got a handful of children, so I like making sure I’m providing a safe community for them to grow up in.
Destin Fire Control District: Richie Frank
Personal Accomplishments: Started fire academy in 2011. Served in Holly Navarre since 2013 began in Destin this week.
Q: Why did you go into the public service career?
A: I’ve always had the passion for the job since I was little. I went to college, but they do not have firefighters degrees so three years after, I wanted to do a job I care about. I’ve had firefighters, since I was a kid, come to my emergencies and always admired the job and the people who do the job.
Q: As a first responder what makes you feel the most appreciated or proud of your job?
A: Just the feeling I get helping people. Whenever I do my job, no matter how severe the call is, I get a feeling of satisfaction. I look forward to working my next shift.
Q: In your opinion what is the toughest part of being a first responder?
A: It would have to be the severe emergencies we have to go to. The things we have to see, if something bothers me I have to have the strength to tell these guys so they can help me through. Also the physical stress of the job, going to a fire and getting physically exhausted. This is the most physical thing I’ve ever had to do.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I really look forward to going home and spending time with my family. I try to look for things to do with my two-year-old son, and date nights with my wife. I try to relax when I can and catch up on sleep.
Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Dana Marlow
Personal Accomplishments: Is a paramedic and has served in Okaloosa County EMS for13 years.
Q: Why did you go into the public service career?
A: I’ve just been interested in it since I was a kid. I like to help people and the total variety, the change of things not being the same all the time.
Q: As a first responder what makes you feel the most appreciated or proud of your job?
A: The rare occasion when you have a patient that will say thank you. It’s just a self thing, knowing that you did something good, you did right. You don’t have to be told so much.
Q: In your opinion what is the toughest part of being a first responder?
A: Trying to adjust to different people and how they respond. In order to help them you have to be able to adjust to how they are responding, adjust to their emotions or reactions. A lot of times when you can make one decision or another it could go right in one situation and wrong in another.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like to do outdoor things and activities with my kids and my family such as camping, going to the beach or sporting activities.
