November 22, 2025 — Citrus County Fire Rescue is proud to celebrate Driver Engineer/EMT Drake Doherty, who marks four years of dedicated service today. Doherty joined CCFR in 2021, shortly after the department launched EMS transport operations, beginning his career as a single-cert EMT before advancing to firefighter/EMT in March 2022.

By November 2024, Doherty began riding out of class, demonstrating the leadership and technical skill that led to his official promotion to Driver Engineer in May 2025. Over the past four years, he has served multiple communities—including Kensington, Sugarmill Woods, and Homosassa—and now protects the Highlands community on C Shift, Engine 8. He also contributes to the agency as an active member of Special Operations.

Doherty’s career includes notable lifesaving work. In June 2023, he played a pivotal role in a high-angle rope rescue at Rock Crusher Canyon, where a 13-year-old victim was stranded roughly 40 feet up a cliff face. His calm execution, teamwork, and technical proficiency helped bring the incident to a safe conclusion. For his actions, he was honored as a Hometown Hero Finalist in September 2024.

CCFR extends its gratitude to Driver Engineer Doherty for his professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of Citrus County.