news release

The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners publicly commended the 2022-2023 Indian River Fire Rescue Award winners at today’s Commission meeting; passing a Proclamation acknowledging the members of the Fire Rescue team for their commitment to the highest of standards in performance of their duties.

Award winners; Julian Figueroa, who joined IRC Fire Rescue almost three years ago, was awarded, Fire Medic of the Year.  Lt. Jason Judson, with 13 years of experience, was recognized with the Lieutenant of the Year award.  And, serving 16 years with IRC, Stacy Zedek was named Engineer of the Year.

The leadership award program for IRC Fire Rescue was reinstituted in 2021, bringing back a longstanding tradition of annually recognizing those among the ranks who perform duties in a manner that exemplifies competency, supports fellow fire medics in achieving their goals; supports the department’s policies and regularly demonstrates the ability to lead or follow based upon the existing circumstances. 

“Being recognized by the Commission is an honor for each of the award winners.  These individuals were selected by their peers, it says so much about the character of each one of them,” said David Johnson, Emergency Services Director.

The first fire department in Indian River County was established on December 17, 1923.  Over the course of the past century, the department transitioned from volunteer to career personnel.  Once a department crewed solely by trained Firefighters, today’s crews are dual certified in firefighting and emergency medical response.  They also receive training in a multitude of specialized disaster response scenarios on both land and sea.

“Firefighters and Fire Medics are valuable members of our Indian River County team, and of high value to our overall quality of life.  We appreciate all they do, in both emergency and non-emergency situations, on behalf of residents and visitors alike,” said Jason Brown, County Administrator.

For more information, contact Kathy Copeland, Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager, at 772-226-4329 or kcopeland@ircgov.com.