Lake Buena Vista, FL., November 17, 2023 – The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Acting Fire Chief Eric Ferrari and Assistant Fire Chief Scott Underwood attended the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Ocala, Florida, on November 16, 2023. Ferrari and Underwood honored the legacies of the firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Speaking to Zitlali Solache of WCJB Gainesville, Assistant Chief Scott Underwood said, “It’s our once-a-year chance to all get together… to pay tribute and honor to the fallen firefighters of the previous year and the years before.”
Four Reedy Creek Fire Department (RCFD) Honor Guard members participated along with RCFD Pipes and Drums in the procession at the State Fire College. The Memorial honored 16 firefighters at the 15th annual “Florida Fallen Firefighters” memorial.
Of the 16 names, one was of George Braun, who retired from the Gainesville Fire Rescue before leading the RCFD Training Section. Braun spent 33 years dedicating his life to the fire service. Braun leaves behind his wife, Betty, and a daughter. Acting Chief Ferrari expressed his condolences to the family at the memorial service for the sacrifices George Braun made in service to others.
“In times of grief, loss, and in times to celebrate the fire service – the Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums are the face of our Department. It is an extra commitment that showcases our agency throughout the state and sometimes the country. We will continue to support these groups in all the great work that they do,” said Acting Fire Chief Ferrari, addressing RCFD.