Marion County firefighter awarded $5,000

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Posted June 14, 2021 | Ocala Gazette Staff

A Marion County firefighter recently received a $5,000 grand prize as part of an initiative to recognize Florida residents for their contributions to the community.

The award was part of the CGI Heroes: Celebrating Strength initiative sponsored by Hialeah-based CGI Windows & Doors.

Drew Rogers is the operations fire chief at Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) in Ocala. A firefighter for 20 years, Rogers mentors those who may be headed down the wrong path. He’s been instrumental in operating the mentorship program at MCFR and secured funding and support to build a 7,000-square-foot gym to help cadets stay physically fit. He works with students at the fire career academy to help them find a career path.

Rogers previously earned $1,000 when selected as a finalist for the grand prize. The sponsors decided to award the $5,000 grand prize to Rogers and each of the three other finalists.

“We were astounded by the stories of our hero finalists and thrilled with the response by their communities to vote for them for the grand prize,” said Bob Keller of CGI’s parent company, PGT Innovations.