Several CCFR members presented with awards during May for heroic, life-saving efforts
Photos courtesy of CCFR.
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Citrus County, Florida – In Inverness, Florida on May 14, 2025, four members of Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) were recognized for their life-saving actions and commitment to public safety by Congressman Gus Bilirakis' at his annual Congressional District 12 First Responder of the Year Celebration; see photo on right.
These individuals were recognized for their swift and skillful response on Christmas Day 2024, when a routine call for a fall rapidly escalated into a full cardiac arrest situation. Thanks to their decisive action, advanced life support interventions, and seamless teamwork, the patient was successfully resuscitated and later discharged home after making a full recovery.
The honorees included:
• Captain/Paramedic Wayne McClendon
• Driver Engineer/Paramedic Henry Helwig
• Paramedic Loren VanDruff
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Marcus Carn
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On Monday, May 12, 2025, representatives of the Withlacoochee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented Medals of Heroism and EMS Medals to several CCFR members for their extraordinary actions during a structure fire earlier this year; see photo on left.
On February 3, 2025, under extreme conditions involving heavy smoke, fire, and structural hazards, CCFR crews responded to a residential fire and performed a successful rescue of a trapped occupant, saving a life and demonstrating outstanding valor and professionalism. Their bravery and commitment to duty reflect the highest standards of Citrus County Fire Rescue and the fire service as a whole.
CCFR personnel recognized include:
• Squad 7 (Connell Heights)
~ Captain/Paramedic Thomas Ratchford
~ Driver Engineer/Paramedic Patrick Gaule
~ Firefighter/EMT Camden Labonte
• Ladder 23 (Kensington)
~ Captain/Paramedic Nathan VanBuren
~ Driver Engineer/EMT Alan Blake
~ Firefighter/EMT Kamrin Papale
• Rescue 7 (Connell Heights)
~ EMT Blake Daehnick
~ Paramedic Robin Bowers