Seminole County, Fla. (September 28, 2023) – Personnel from the Seminole County Fire Department and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office were recently honored with a Life Saving Award in the category of Fire Rescue/EMS during the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s (CFHLA) Annual Patriot Remembrance Day Breakfast, which reflects on the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and honors local heroes. 

During the ceremony, local fire rescue, law enforcement emergency medical services and security personnel were recognized for distinguished service in the line of duty. More than 500 personnel and members of the community where in attendance.

The following Seminole County Fire Department crew members and Sheriff’s Deputy were honored after saving a 2-year-old from a near fatal pool drowning in July 2023. The child’s family members began CPR right away and called 911 and the Sheriff’s Deputy took over CPR until first responders arrived. All personnel in the call played an integral part of the child’s full recovery.

Honored members included:

-Deputy Sheriff Douglas Mactye of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office 

-Emergency Communications Dispatcher Angela Bass

-Lt. Paul Hammerl

-Firefighter/Paramedic Steven Schwartz

-Firefighter Rick Montejano

-Lt. Ryan Hart 

-Firefighter Jackson DeCuir

“This was a life save made possible because everyone involved in this EMS emergency did exactly what they should have done and worked together,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley of the Seminole County Fire Department. “The child’s family performed CPR early, which helped in early intervention in what we call a key part in helping the ‘chain of survival.’ I am extremely proud of all crew members and everyone involved in helping save this little girl’s life.”