Uniformed firefighters from across the state of Florida will gather at the Downtown Ocala Square on Thursday, November 17 to honor fallen firefighters with a pipe and drum display.
The 14th annual Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Concert on the Square ceremony will honor the following firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty:
- Dennis Sams – Satellite Beach Fire Rescue (1977).
- Omar Bishr – City of Naples Fire Rescue (2017).
- David R. Anken – Florida Forrest Service (2019).
- Dustin C. Schieber – Seminole County Fire Department (2020).
- Scott E. Allender – Melbourne Fire Department (2021).
- Randell D. Burnham – Lake City Fire Department (2021).
- Giovanni Ciancio – Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (2021).
- Michael L. Freeland – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (2021).
- David H. Hackett – Hernando County Fire and Emergency Services (2021).
- Mario J. Moya – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (2021).
- Mitchell R. Weldon – Cocoa Fire Rescue (2021).
- Christopher Allen – Hollywood Fire and Rescue (2022).
- Douglas Clemons – Polk County Fire Rescue (2022).
- James S. Hunt – Melbourne Fire Department (2022).
- James N. Leonard – Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department (2022).
- George B. Newsome – Walton County Fire Rescue (2022).
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, a Walk of Honor will be made through the streets of the downtown square, beginning at the intersection of E Silver Springs Boulevard and SE Magnolia Avenue. The walk will include Honor Guard teams from throughout the state, along with music provided by pipes and drums.
Immediately following the parade, a gathering will be held at Bank Street Patio Bar, which is located within walking distance from the square at 120 E Fort King Street.
For more information, please contact Battalion Chief / Honor Guard Commander Pamela Fallen-Driggers via email at: pamela.driggers@marionfl.org.