MCFR Ocala Central "Brick City Express"

06/18/2022

Today, we mourn with our fire rescue brothers and sisters. We remember the “Charleston 9” who gave their lives 15 years ago fighting the Sofa Superstore fire. On what is already such a somber day, we mourn the loss of another brother from Philadelphia, who died this morning during a building collapse after fighting a structure fire. Five more firefighters were rescued from under the rubble. We send our love and prayers to all of them, their families, & their fire families ❤️🖤

03/12/2022

03/05/2022

RIP Driver Engineer Zancanata. We will take it from here ❤️🖤❤️

4 March 2022

FROM THE DESK OF FIRE CHIEF JAMES BANTA

It is with my deepest regret that I announce the passing of Driver Engineer Nicholas Zancanata. Nicholas passed away yesterday, March 3, 2022. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Driver Engineer Zancanata was a 14-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion County Fire Rescue on August 4, 2008. He rose through the ranks from FF/EMT, to FF/PM, and finally to Driver Engineer. As a driver, Nicholas served at our Silver Springs Shores Station #17, South Marion Station #6, and Golden Ocala Station #20.

During our mourning period, let us support one another. If you need to talk, please reach out to someone you feel comfortable with. We have a great asset with Chaplain Joe LaCognata. Please utilize him as he is available 24/7. Your department’s senior staff is here for support as well. We will get through this trying time together.

Badge covers are authorized to be worn for the next thirty calendar days. Class “A” uniforms are to be worn by all sworn personnel attending any related services. (Black ties as applicable.)

The Departmental Funeral Contingency Plan has been implemented and all planning shall proceed through proper channels. As more information becomes available, the public information officer will update the department.

03/04/2022

4 March 2022

FROM THE DESK OF FIRE CHIEF JAMES BANTA

It is with my deepest regret that I announce the passing of Driver Engineer Nicholas Zancanata. Nicholas passed away yesterday, March 3, 2022. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Driver Engineer Zancanata was a 14-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion County Fire Rescue on August 4, 2008. He rose through the ranks from FF/EMT, to FF/PM, and finally to Driver Engineer. As a driver, Nicholas served at our Silver Springs Shores Station #17, South Marion Station #6, and Golden Ocala Station #20.

During our mourning period, let us support one another. If you need to talk, please reach out to someone you feel comfortable with. We have a great asset with Chaplain Joe LaCognata. Please utilize him as he is available 24/7. Your department’s senior staff is here for support as well. We will get through this trying time together.

Badge covers are authorized to be worn for the next thirty calendar days. Class “A” uniforms are to be worn by all sworn personnel attending any related services. (Black ties as applicable.)

The Departmental Funeral Contingency Plan has been implemented and all planning shall proceed through proper channels. As more information becomes available, the public information officer will update the department.

02/18/2022

Please take a minute to read this about one of Marion County Fire Rescue’s own. Driver Engineer/Firefighter Chuck Westphal has beaten the odds and survived after being in ICU and on a ventilator for months due to COVID. However, he still has a long road ahead of him recovering at home. He has spent years serving others. Please consider donating to help him and his family.

This is Chuck, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 July 2021 and placed on a … Mark Rothenberg needs your support for Firefighter recovering from Covid needs Help

02/14/2022

On this Super Bowl Sunday, we would like to thank Publix Super Market at Churchill Square for being the real MVP! 🏆🥇
They generously donated more than enough food to feed our entire station for the next few shifts! Although we weren’t able to get all the crews in the picture, a sincere thank you from all of us at Ocala Central & Battalion 6! ☺️
Publix

02/06/2022

Brandon works in the county just north of Marion. Every fire rescue personnel is considered family, regardless of where they work. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to him and his family! Register to see if you are a match.

02/03/2022

February is National Heart Month ❤️

Even though we can fix broken hearts 💔, we want our community to be heart healthy! Here’s a few tips to keep your heart in check!

❤️ Eat a balanced low-fat diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

❤️ Get regular exercise. Marion County has tons of outdoor activities, such as bike and walking trails!

❤️ Find a primary care physician and get regular checkups.

❤️ Know the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

01/31/2022

It has been a devastating week of losses for the fire service. RIP Captain Fortuna, we will take it from here. ❤️🖤❤️

Today, January 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A press conference was held to share information about the loss of Captain Max Fortuna. Stockton Fire Chief Richard Edwards shared the following statement:

“This morning at approximately 4:45 a.m. the Stockton Fire Department’s Emergency Communications Division received a 911 call for a dumpster fire in the area of Washington and Aurora Streets. Engine 2 arrived on the scene a short time later and found a dumpster fire impinging on a structure. As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, gunshots were heard, and the Fire Captain of Engine 2 had been struck. Firefighters quickly transitioned to providing EMS care and transported him to the hospital.

I’m devastated to report that Veteran Fire Captain Max Fortuna has succumbed to his injuries. Captain Fortuna served the City of Stockton for 21 years and leaves behind a wife and two grown children. I ask you to keep Captain Fortuna’s family and the Stockton Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

01/24/2022

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, both at home and the firehouse. ❤️🖤❤️

The Officers & Members of L-734 & Baltimore Fire Officers IAFF Local 964 regretfully announce the line of duty deaths of:

-Lt Paul Butrim
-FFPM Kelsey Sadler
-FFPM Kenneth Lacayo

Please keep their families in your prayers as well as our member who remains hospitalized.