Photography by Ralph Demilio
With over 130 years of dedicated service, our firefighters work around the clock, and are always there to help during life’s most tragic events. Without recognition or accolade they serve the community by running into the face of danger without a second thought. Yet, they long for the slow days. Not for their own benefit, but on the days when the alarm does not sound it means that Ocala is safe.
A lack of calls does not mean their work is done. They do not sit idly by, rather they complete a list of chores. Tasks assigned to them as they work together to keep their station in top working order. They complete continuing training courses, using the time between calls productively. Behind the walls of the station they are their own mini communities living and working together while they wait for the next emergency.
