Lake County Firefighters

05/31/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our former brother, Max Vose.

Last night, Max lost his long and courageous battle with colorectal cancer.

Max was the kind of firefighter people enjoyed being around. He was known for his sense of humor, his love of the job, and the positive impact he had on those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Whether on a call, around the station, or simply sharing a laugh with friends, Max left an impression that will not be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Kaylee, and their three children.

On behalf of the Professional Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of Lake County, IAFF Local 3990, we extend our deepest condolences to Kaylee, their children, and all of Max’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Rest easy, brother.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It is a reminder that freedom was paid for by Americans who never made it home.

Their courage, sacrifice, and love for this nation will never be forgotten.

From the members of the Professional Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of Lake County, IAFF Local 3990, we honor the fallen, remember their families, and remain forever grateful to those who gave everything for our freedom.

05/24/2026

Today, we are keeping the family, friends, and brothers and sisters of Boston Firefighters Local 718 IAFF in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest easy, brother.

05/23/2026

Today, Governor DeSantis signed SB 984 (DiCeglie) relating to Firefighter Cancer Benefits into law. 🎉

This legislation ensures that firefighters battling terminal occupational cancer can spend their final days at home with their families without jeopardizing their family’s death benefit.

Beginning July 1, 2026, firefighters and their families will retain access to the cancer death benefit for one year after terminating employment.

Thank you to Senator Nick DiCeglie and Demi Busatta- State Representative for their leadership, and for all the members of the Legislature who supported this important clarification for Florida’s firefighters and their families. Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing this good bill into law.

This is an important step forward for firefighter families across Florida we were proud to champion. 🇺🇸🚒

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Bernie Bernoska on his retirement from the Orlando Fire Department after 25 years of service.

Throughout his career, Bernie has been a strong voice for firefighters across the State of Florida, continuing to serve the fire service as President of the Florida Professional Firefighters.

Thank you for your leadership, your dedication to organized labor, and your commitment to protecting the men and women who serve our communities every day.

Wishing you and your family nothing but the best in retirement, brother.

Congratulations on your Retirement, Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska!

After 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Orlando, we celebrate the retirement of a true legend in the fire service.

Bernie’s impact reaches far beyond Orlando. Through his tireless work with both Local 1365 and the Florida Professional Firefighters, he has helped shape the future of the fire service across our state and has been a steadfast advocate for firefighters and their families. His leadership, passion, and commitment have left a lasting mark on countless careers and lives throughout Florida.

While his accomplishments are many, it’s the relationships he built, the members he mentored, the stories he’s told, and the battles he fought on behalf of firefighters that will define his legacy. The fire service is better because of Bernie, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for our profession.

Thank you for your 25 years of service, your unwavering dedication, and your countless contributions to Local 1365, the FPF, and the City of Orlando.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement, brother.

05/18/2026

This EMS Week, we recognize the Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of Local 3990 who provide care every single day for the citizens of Lake County.

Our members make critical decisions under pressure, often during someone’s worst moment. That responsibility takes training, experience, compassion, and trust.

As members of the International Association of Fire Fighters we are proud to stand alongside Fire and EMS professionals across the country who continue fighting for better training, stronger staffing, safer working conditions, and the recognition pre hospital professionals deserve within the Fire and EMS service.

To the members of Local 3990, thank you for the long hours, missed holidays, sleepless nights, and the professionalism you bring to this job every day. The work you do matters, and Lake County is better because of it.

Happy EMS Week from the Professional Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of Lake County, IAFF Local 3990.

05/10/2026

She answered the call long before we ever did.

Before the fire trucks, the uniforms, and the long nights away from home, there was Mom. She was the one teaching us strength, sacrifice, compassion, and what it means to take care of others before yourself.

Today, we also recognize the wives, girlfriends, and mothers in our lives who carry the weight at home while we serve the citizens of Lake County. They handle the holidays we miss, the weekends away, the little league games, volleyball tournaments, soccer matches, dance recitals, late nights, and early mornings that come with this profession.

To the mothers working on the front lines beside us, and to the women standing behind us every single day, thank you. This job would not be possible without you.

Happy Mother’s Day from the Professional Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of Lake County.

05/08/2026

A big congratulations to the Professional Firefighters of Marion County IAFF Local 3169 and the leadership of Marion County Fire Rescue for coming together to make a historic investment in the Firefighters, Paramedics, and EMTs serving Marion County.

This is more than a pay increase. Moving toward a 24/72 schedule and the 42 hour work week recommendation is an investment in recruitment, retention, wellness, morale, and the long term future of the department.

Florida’s House Bill 929 recognizes the physical and mental toll this profession takes and encourages departments to move toward a 42 hour average work week to improve firefighter health and safety. Progress like this takes vision, leadership, and a true commitment to the people doing the job every day.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a bold and forward thinking step for the future of the fire service.

05/06/2026

Happy Nurses Week from the Professional Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of Lake County.

To the nurses who stop at vehicle accidents and immediately say, “I’m a nurse, can I help?”, thank you. No matter where you are or what time it is, that instinct to step in and care for people never shuts off.

And yes, we already know what you’re thinking when we roll through the ER doors with one of our IVs... yes, one day we’ll teach you how to start them properly.

The truth is, we give each other a hard time because we’ve spent years working side by side. From the side of the road to the ER, you continue caring for our patients long after we hand them off, and we know the weight that comes with that responsibility.

We’re still willing to trade the EMS room code for faster bed assignments, though.

Thank you for what you do for the people of Lake County and for the partnership we share every day.

05/04/2026

Service before self. It’s how we show up, every day. Proud to serve Lake County alongside those who live it.

Today we recognize our members and the brothers and sisters we stand beside across the fire service.

International Firefighters’ Day.