Medal Day honors

The Reilly Arts Center was awash in a sea of navy and light blue Marion County Fire Rescue uniforms, many of them layered with medals and ribbons, during the organization’s second annual Medal Day Ceremony, which took place Nov. 14.

“Our annual award winners were nominated by their peers, subordinates and supervisors for sustained superior performance throughout the year. Nomination packages were submitted and graded by a panel of chief officers. The selections were then validated by our three deputy chiefs and the fire chief,” explained MCFR Public Safety Information Manager James Lucas via email after the event.

In his opening remarks, Fire Chief James Banta noted that it was “incredible to see this room filled with our firefighters, families, friends and supporters. Tonight is all about you — the brave men and women who answer the call every single day with courage, compassion and pride.”

He also acknowledged the personnel in fire stations across Marion County who were watching the event through live streaming.

“Even though you can’t be here in person, you’re very much part of tonight’s celebration,” Banta offered.

Banta went on to welcome local dignitaries, offer well wishes to two MCFR personnel who are dealing with health issues, and their families, thanked the event sponsors and called attention to the MCFR retirees in attendance.

“Tonight’s awards will highlight the outstanding achievements and acts of bravery that defined 2025,” he said.

Fire Service Chaplain Joe LaCognata gave an invocation, which was followed by the posting of the colors by the MCFR honor guard and the singing of the national anthem by Landon Adams.

Banta then introduced the emcee, Jason Patton.

“A firefighter paramedic from south Florida, he’s best known as the creator and star of the hit online series ‘Fire Department Chronicles,’ where he brings humor, authenticity and heart to the realities of the fire service. He’s also the vice president of Fire Department Coffee, a firefighter-founded company that gives back to injured and ill first responders. Jason’s passion for this profession and his advocacy for firefighter wellness have earned him respect and admiration across the country,” Banta offered.

Lucas offered some insight into the medals and unit citations that were presented during the evening event:

The Unit Citation is a special recognition awarded to an entire team whose collective efforts went above and beyond the call of duty. It’s not about one individual act, but rather the strength, coordination, and dedication of a group working together toward a common goal.

The Medal of Commendation is awarded to employees who demonstrated exceptional initiative, capability, or involvement in an act of bravery during the course of their duties. This honor recognizes those who have gone beyond the expectations of their role, showing quick thinking, decisive action and outstanding problem-solving in challenging situations.

The Medal of Distinction is the second highest award that can be presented to an MCFR employee. This honor is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage or bravery in the line of duty.

The Medal of Valor is the highest honor that can be awarded to an employee of Marion County Fire Rescue.

This year’s honorees are:

UNIT CITATIONS

Pediatric drowning — Villages Station #10 C-Shift. On Feb. 19, 2023, Station #10 units were dispatched to a residence in Summerfield. The frantic 911 call reported a 2-year-old male was not conscious or breathing and was out of the water. Station 10’s crew arrived on scene, immediately loaded the patient and transported to the AdventHealth Belleview Emergency Department. Firefighters worked diligently to assist emergency room staff in resuscitating the young boy, ultimately transporting him to MCFR Station 30 to be transported to UF Health Shands via helicopter. Walter Cagel is alive and well today.

Motor vehicle accident with entrapment – Belleview Station #18, Shady Station #16, Spruce Creek Station #30, Critical Care #1. On July 22, 2025, MCFR crews were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of SE 95th Street and SE 25th Avenue. Multiple 911 callers reported a pickup truck had run off the road and was pinned between three trees. Firefighters from Belleview Station 18, Shady Station #16 and Spruce Creek Station #30 arrived on scene and immediately began extrication efforts to free the 18-year-old patient. As firefighters were removing the roof and doors to the truck, paramedics treated the patient. Extrication was completed in 15 minutes and the patient was declared a trauma alert and transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital with severe internal injuries.

MEDAL OF VALOR

Lt. Cody Murphy

On Dec. 11, 2024, Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the intersection of Northwest 84th Court and North US Highway 27 in Ocala for a head-on collision involving two vehicles. 911 callers reported both vehicles were engulfed in flames with occupants trapped inside. Unbeknownst to those dispatching the call, while driving his personal vehicle home from errands, Murphy was caught in the collision. Despite his injuries, he was able to self-extricate and immediately turned his attention to the other driver, who was trapped in her burning car.
Using his extensive training as a firefighter and paramedic, Murphy worked quickly and courageously to pull the young woman from the wreckage, saving her from certain death. Once she was safely removed, he began a trauma assessment and provided emergency care to stabilize her injuries. MCFR firefighter paramedics arrived on the scene, declared a trauma alert and transported the patient to a local trauma hospital for further treatment. Meanwhile, firefighters extinguished the vehicle fires. Murphy was evaluated and later sought treatment for his injuries.

Critical Care Paramedic Stephen Cabrera

On Dec. 30, 2024, Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision near Exit 341 Northbound on I-75. A sedan had veered off the road, struck a tree and burst into flames. Multiple 911 callers reported the driver was trapped inside. Cabrera, who was on his way to work, sprang into action. Another citizen smashed the window and Cabrera opened the vehicle door, cut the airbags and seatbelt, and pulled the driver to safety. He provided lifesaving care until Marion Oaks Station 24 firefighter paramedics arrived. Engine and Rescue #24 arrived on scene and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, while paramedics stabilized the patient, who was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital as a trauma alert.

MEDAL OF DISTINCTION/COMMENDATION

Captain Mark Kadlecek & Firefighter EMT Kade Hensley (Distinction)

Driver Engineer Daniel Langer (Commendation)

On Jan. 4, 2025, MCFR crews were dispatched to reports of a residential structure fire with an entrapped person in the 5000 block of NW 61st Lane, Ocala. Multiple 911 callers reported the structure fire with several people trapped inside. Meadowood Farms Engine #12 arrived on scene, called a working fire and went into rescue mode. Kadlecek and Henley completed a VES of a delta side window and located the victim. Crews worked quickly to safely remove the elderly female. The patient was quickly transported as a trauma alert to a local trauma hospital.

MEDAL OF DISTINCTION/COMMENDATION

Firefighter Paramedic Robert Tarbox (Distinction)

Firefighter Paramedic Morgan Smith (Commendation)

On July 17, 2025, a pediatric patient’s parents transported their son to Station 4. The child had been the victim of a dog attack. Remaining cool under pressure, Tarbox and Smith rendered immediate aide to the unresponsive child. They secured the patient’s airway while establishing IV and IO access. Realizing the severity of the injuries, the crew immediately requested SHandsCair 2 helicopter to transport the child to Shands. Seeing the difficulty the flight medic was having securing the endotracheal tube, Tarbox took command and secured the tube. The patient survived his injuries and was extubated a few days later.

ADDITIONAL 2025 ANNUAL AWARDS:

Station – Lynne Station #4

Chief Officer – Battalion Chief Jamie Grisales
Captain – Battalion Chief Jerimiah Kendrick
Fire Lieutenant — Lt. Stephen Johnson

Driver Engineer – Driver Engineer Quintin Gaines
Firefighter Paramedic – FF/PM Ronald Sanford
Firefighter EMT – FF/EMT Tyler Laib

EMS Lieutenant – Lt. Nilo Sierra

Paramedic – Lt. Kelly Hill
EMT – EMT Brandon Robey
Staff Assistant – Brianna Pierce
Support Person – EMS Purchasing Coordinator Stephen Morgan

EMS Billing Specialist – Ada Houck
County Liaison – IT Specialist Patricia Slyke

To learn more about the organization, go to marionfl.org/agencies-departments/departments-facilities-offices/fire-rescue

MCFR Medal Day – Photos Courtesy James Lucas-MCFR

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