Several Central Florida firefighters were honored this weekend at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
This year’s memorial weekend paid respects to more than 200 firefighters who died in the line of duty last year and years before.
Melbourne Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Leech said, “They’re honoring too many firefighters here this weekend. That’s one thing. Too many. So that is kind of eye-opening.”
Leech paid respects to his fellow Melbourne firefighter James Stuart “Stu” Hunt at the ceremony in Maryland. Hunt had been a lieutenant for the Melbourne Fire Department. He died in 2022 after being diagnosed with cancer. Hunt was 65.
“He was just a stand-up guy. As good as they get. Did what he said and said what he meant,” Leech said. “A lot of stories, a lot of camaraderie.”
The candlelight and memorial services are for the country to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have been lost.
Other Central Florida firefighters honored at this weekend’s memorial included Polk County Fire Department engineer and paramedic Douglas Clemons and Apopka Firefighter Austin Duran.
Clemons was 56 when he died from a heart attack during a training session in June 2022.
Duran was 25 years old when he died several weeks after he got seriously hurt on the job in 2022. Duran’s parents, Gail and Michael, were comforted to have him memorialized this weekend.
Michael Duran said, “On a national level, the support here has been incredible. You know we have the Apopka professional firefighters, firefighters out here, honor guard from Apopka. So, this is big for us.”
Gail Duran said, “The sea of blue when you walk in, and the bagpipes and it just brings you way back. I mean it seems like yesterday. It just doesn’t seem like it’s been a year. But I’m honored and proud to be here.”