Leon County Names Jeff Ward Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
This past week, Leon County Government proudly presented the 23rd Annual Jack Harron Leon County Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award to Lieutenant Jeff Ward of the Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department.
“Although we weren’t able to host our Annual Volunteer Firefighter Fire Truck Roundup due to the pandemic, we couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to recognize this year’s Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Jeff Ward, for his public service,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge. “Jeff’s commitment to volunteer firefighting in our community has saved lives and inspired others to sign up and do the same.”
Jeff Ward joined the Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department in 2017 and has demonstrated an exemplary level of personal commitment and dedication to educating the community in firefighting and fire safety. Through his service, Ward has committed nearly every Saturday for a five-month period to serving as an assistant instructor in the county’s volunteer firefighter class.
“Like the many other volunteer firefighters awarded before him, Jeff exemplifies the spirit of community service,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “The County is proud to recognize this commitment to volunteerism not just with this award, but year-round through the work of Leon County’s VolunteerLEON and our many community partners.”
Created in 1998 by Leon County, the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award was renamed in 2010 to honor former Miccosukee Fire Chief Jack Harron, who lost a battle with cancer. Harron served 17 years as the fire chief and was instrumental in the creation of the annual Leon County Fire Truck Roundup event, which highlights the service and dedication of the men and women who protect life and property of Leon County’s citizens. The 23rd Annual Jack Harron Leon County Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award is sponsored by the Earl Bacon Insurance Agency.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as this year’s Volunteer Firefighter of the Year,” said Jeff Ward. “To be a volunteer firefighter means knowing that you have helped make a difference in someone’s life during crisis-and that is truly rewarding.”
To learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter, visit www.VolunteerLEON.org.
For more information, contact Royle King, Manager of Volunteer Services, at (850) 606-1970 / KingR@LeonCountyFl.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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