In his role as state fire marshal, Florida CFO Jeff Atwater on Tuesday led the groundbreaking of a new monument on the state Capitol grounds honoring firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Floridas firefighters are heroes who sacrifice their safety every day to ensure the protection of others, said Atwater on Tuesday. This memorial will serve as a reverent place to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and be a place where their loved ones can come, reflect and remember.
Atwater was joined by Gov. Rick Scott and the the other members of the Florida Cabinet.
I am honored to join CFO Jeff Atwater and the Florida Cabinet to honor the legacy of Floridas fallen firefighters and dedicate a special memorial in their remembrance, said Scott. It is important that we give thanks to these American heroes for their sacrifice.
Also taking part in the ceremony was Kristen Curry, the widow of John JJ Curry, a Volusia County firefighter killed in a training exercise. After being denied benefits after his death, Kristen Curry fought to ensure that families of firefighters killed during training would receive benefits, with the Legislature changing the law in 2010. Kristen Curry and her son Owen took part in the groundbreaking on Tuesday.
I never thought that losing my husband could bring any kind of good, but being here today tells me a different story, said Kristen Curry. This memorial is something that we can always look back on with a smile, a place not only where my family can honor my husband, but many others who have lost the real-life heroes in their lives."
Supporters of the 2010 legislation also attended the groundbreaking.
To have worked alongside Kristen Curry and others to secure the passage of legislation that extended death benefits to the families of fire service members killed in training was an impactful moment for me as a lawmaker, said Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Lake Mary. This memorial will make an impact on so many lives, and Im proud to once again rejoin her today to mark this momentous occasion.
It was an honor to be part of the Currys' touching story by sponsoring legislation that closed a loophole and guaranteed full death benefits for firefighters killed during training exercises, said Sen. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, who was serving in the House back in 2010. Im very proud that Kristen Curry is there today, alongside CFO Atwater and others to honor the late John JJ Curry and all fire service personnel who have lost their lives in service to others.
During a Florida Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Scott honored Lt. Steven Burns and Lt. Christopher Longo, of the St. Lucie County Fire District, with medals of heroism for saving a child in a Fort Pierce fire back in February.
I am honored to present Lt. Steven Burns and Lt. Christopher Longo with medals of heroism today, Scott said. These two lieutenants did not hesitate to risk their own lives in order to save the life of a child. Their bravery and selflessness should be commended, and I would like to recognize all of Floridas heroic firefighters who protect families across the state each day.
Lt. Burns and Lt. Longo would say that they were just doing their jobs, and they are right, said St. Lucie County Fire Chief Ron Parrish on Tuesday. However, I know without the courage and bravery they employed, that young child would not have been saved. God bless Lt. Burns and Lt. Longo, and all of the firefighters who risk their lives for the sake of others. That is what we are here to do every day.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
