Ocala Fire Rescue

10/20/2026

We are proud to celebrate the recognition of three exceptional individuals in our OFR family. Their unwavering dedication and commitment embody the caliber of talent that defines our organization.

Today, during the City Council meeting, we proudly witnessed Captain Chris Hickman, our Logistics and Information Management Specialist Beth Antis, and Captain Steve Welfel being honored with the Citizens Recognition Award and celebrated for their 20-year anniversaries, respectively. These acknowledgments reflect not only their individual accomplishments but they highlights the collective strength of our team.

Their efforts, reliability, and passion for serving our community are vital to our success and play a significant role in upholding the exceptional standard of service we are known for. Individuals like them enable us to operate as a well-oiled organization.

Please join us in extending much-deserved congratulations to the Mayor's Recognition Award recipient, Captain Hickman, and to our 20th Anniversary members, Beth Antis and Captain Welfel!

10/16/2026

𝗢𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟮 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺

(OCALA, FL.) Oct. 16, 2026 – Ocala Fire Rescue is proud to announce the induction of 12 fire service members into its Special Operations Team, a significant milestone under the 2026-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which took effect on October 1st, 2026.

With this expansion, the Special Operations Team has grown from 32 to 44 members. This strategic enhancement reflects our commitment to ensuring our community receives the highest level of emergency response capabilities and that we have a robust team ready to respond to critical incidents.

The Special Operations Team is composed of highly trained personnel who have dedicated at least four years to Ocala Fire Rescue. Members are specifically trained in technical rescue and hazardous materials identification and response. They undergo rigorous training that includes completing at least five specialized courses in areas such as Trench and Collapse Rescue, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue, and Structural Collapse Operations, among others.

To maintain their skills and readiness, all team members participate in at least four monthly drills and two quarterly drills each year, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively to any emergency. Congratulations to the new team members for their commitment to excellence and their readiness to serve our community in this crucial capacity.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗙𝗥 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀:
• Driver Engineer/ Paramedic Aaron Bertine
• Captain/ Paramedic Justin Clavier
• Driver Engineer/ Paramedic Micah Day
• Captain/ Paramedic Brandi DuCoeur
• Firefighter/ Paramedic Chase Howard
• Firefighter/ Paramedic Eduardo Ignacio-Simon
• Firefighter/ Paramedic Jake Marrall
• Driver Engineer/ Paramedic Christopher Maxson
• Firefighter/ Paramedic Hayden Mulder
• Firefighter/ Paramedic Darius Sampson
• Driver Engineer/ Paramedic Cale Susdorf
• Firefighter/ Paramedic Jeffrey Saunders

“We're excited to welcome these members to the Special Operations Team,” said Clint Welborn, Ocala Fire Rescue's Fire Chief. “The addition of these 12 members, with a combined 87 years of experience, will enhance our already outstanding team with renewed insight and strategies.”

# # #

Pictured L to R: FF/PM Saunders, DE/PM Maxson, DE/PM Susdorf, FF/PM Ignacio-Simon, FF/PM Mulder, Capt./PM DuCoeur, and DE/PM Bertine.

10/15/2026

UPDATE: The scene is clear, and traffic is flowing normally. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and we are investigating.

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🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT: A train is blocking several railroad crossings in NE Ocala after hitting a pedestrian.

The crossings at N Magnolia, NE 8th Ave., NE 19th Ave., and NE 25th Ave. are blocked. Expect delays and use alternate routes.

Police are investigating this incident.

10/14/2026

🚨Traffic Alert (10/14/26 at 3:30 p.m.)🚨 Westbound traffic near the 1600 block of West Silver Springs Boulevard is at a standstill due to a vehicle fire. No injuries reported.

10/12/2026

(Ocala, FL) Oct. 12, 2026: A three-vehicle collision at SR 200 and SW 20th Ct. resulted in one patient being transported to the hospital and traffic being briefly diverted. The incident was reported shortly after 8:40 a.m.

No other injuries were reported.

Ocala Fire Rescue, the Ocala Police Department, and Marion County Fire Rescue responded.

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

We're elated to share that we will be part of this year's Safe & Spooktacular Halloween! Join us and some of our closest friends at the McPherson Complex for a frighteningly good time.

📆: Friday, October 23, 2026
⏰: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
📍: McPherson Complex (601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471)

10/10/2026

Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in
longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery. For
more information, visit: www.fpw.org.

10/09/2026

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds,
couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can
cause a battery to overheat. For more information, visit: www.fpw.org.

10/08/2026

Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools
outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These
batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they
fail. For more information, visit: www.fpw.org.