CFO SINK PRESENTS 2006 FIRE SERVICE AWARDS 

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink honored 10 fire and rescue service personnel and a community college for exemplary dedication to fire and rescue services last year.  CFO Sink recognized each honoree in a round of events, including during this morning’s regular Cabinet meeting in the Capitol, and presented them with proclamations signed by Governor Charlie Crist and members of the Cabinet. 

“These men and women have been chosen by their peers for this recognition because they have demonstrated exemplary courage and commitment to their profession,” said CFO Sink.  “That our responders regularly honor those they consider the best among them demonstrates the integrity they all bring to their work, and they have my utmost gratitude for all that they do.” 
 

In addition to honoring these individuals, the Cabinet has designated April 15-21, 2007, as Florida Firefighter Appreciation Week.  During the week, Florida’s firefighters and paramedics also are recognized for their work on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).   Last year, their annual “Fill the Boot” campaign raised a record amount of nearly $2.2 million.  The men and women of Florida’s fire and emergency services have supported the MDA for 53 years.

Following is a list of those individually recognized for their work in 2006:

Randall Pettitt, Plantation Fire Department - Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
Leslie Adent, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue - Fire Service Inspector of the Year
Kurt Larson, Pensacola Junior College - Fire Instructor of the Year
Jason Long, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry - Forestry Firefighter of the Year
Rand Napoli, Division of State Fire Marshal - Fire Marshal of the Year
Al Cruz, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue- Professional Firefighter of the Year
William Riley, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue - Career Firefighter of the Year
Michael Murphy, Marco Island Fire-Rescue Department - Fire Chief of the Year
Christopher Scovotto, Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations - Fire Investigator of the Year
Linda Stoughton, St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management - Emergency Preparedness Manager of the Year
Brevard Community College - Training Center of the Year