Monitor Editor
TALLAHASSEE— Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis awarded the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award to Melrose’s Joshua Florence, during a ceremony in the chamber of the Florida Senate on Sept. 20.
Patronis said Florence exemplifies what it means to be a firefighter.
“He serves as a firefighter and EMTB at Melrose Volunteer Fire Department,” said Patronis. “He was a coordinator of a funding effort to secure fire rescue boats in his department whose geographic area encompasses lakes.
Patronis said Florence also orchestrated comprehensive training on fire boat rescue response.
“He’s truly deserving of the Florida Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award,” said Patronis. “I couldn’t be more honored to present it to him.”
