Sun Coast FOOLS IN Memoriam
RFB (Remember Fallen Brothers)
Brian Reed #5519
Firefighter Brian Reed was employed by West Manatee Fire District in Manatee County. Brian died in the line of duty on April 10, 2001 after falling from a ladder. He is survived by his wife Pam and their daughters, Donna & Elizabeth.
Firefighter Brian Reed was employed by West Manatee Fire District in Manatee County. Brian died in the line of duty on April 10, 2001 after falling from a ladder. He is survived by his wife Pam and their daughters, Donna & Elizabeth.
Walter “Wally” Allen #4436
Firefighter Wally Allen was employed by the Chicago Fire Department. He came on the job February 24, 1944 and retired April 20, 1970. He was a firefighter at Engine 8, Truck 4 and Engine 21. Wally was befriended by firefighters who met him at a local nursing home. He was visited regularly by firefighters and passed away of natural causes around 2003.
Firefighter Wally Allen was employed by the Chicago Fire Department. He came on the job February 24, 1944 and retired April 20, 1970. He was a firefighter at Engine 8, Truck 4 and Engine 21. Wally was befriended by firefighters who met him at a local nursing home. He was visited regularly by firefighters and passed away of natural causes around 2003.
Steven Plath #0831
Firefighter Steve Plath was employed by the Cedar Hammock Fire Department for 20 years. He was assigned to Engine 231. Steve passed away May 06, 2003 of a sudden heart attack. He is survived by his former wife Karen and their son Logan.
Firefighter Steve Plath was employed by the Cedar Hammock Fire Department for 20 years. He was assigned to Engine 231. Steve passed away May 06, 2003 of a sudden heart attack. He is survived by his former wife Karen and their son Logan.
Thomas Brennan #0418
Chief Tom Brennan was born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York. He was a third-generation FDNY firefighter - his father and grandfather were FDNY firefighters. His grandfather was killed in the line of duty in a gas explosion in 1920. His father, who retired after 35 years of service in FDNY, was up to that time the most decorated firefighter in the department. After a career at FDNY, retiring as a Captain, Tom was the editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and a recipient of the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award. The award now bears his name. When he left Fire Engineering magazine, he was chief of department of the Waterbury (CT) Fire Department. Tom died of cancer in April of 2006. He is survived by his wife Janet and their four children: Thomas, Teresa, Eileen, and Brian.
Chief Tom Brennan was born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York. He was a third-generation FDNY firefighter - his father and grandfather were FDNY firefighters. His grandfather was killed in the line of duty in a gas explosion in 1920. His father, who retired after 35 years of service in FDNY, was up to that time the most decorated firefighter in the department. After a career at FDNY, retiring as a Captain, Tom was the editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and a recipient of the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award. The award now bears his name. When he left Fire Engineering magazine, he was chief of department of the Waterbury (CT) Fire Department. Tom died of cancer in April of 2006. He is survived by his wife Janet and their four children: Thomas, Teresa, Eileen, and Brian.
Garland Goodman #0790
Lieutenant Garland Goodman was retired from Cedar Hammock Fire Department. Lt. Goodman was assigned to Engine 231. Garland died of cancer on May 01, 2010. He is survived by his wife Joan and their daughter Gayle as well as his other children Daryl and Cheryl.
Lieutenant Garland Goodman was retired from Cedar Hammock Fire Department. Lt. Goodman was assigned to Engine 231. Garland died of cancer on May 01, 2010. He is survived by his wife Joan and their daughter Gayle as well as his other children Daryl and Cheryl.
Don Demott #5357
Firefighter Don Demott was employed by Sarasota County Fire Department after serving with Manatee County EMS as a paramedic. Don passed away on June 14, 2010. He is survived by his wife Robie and sons Calvin and Devin.
Firefighter Don Demott was employed by Sarasota County Fire Department after serving with Manatee County EMS as a paramedic. Don passed away on June 14, 2010. He is survived by his wife Robie and sons Calvin and Devin.
Mark Souders #5754
Chief Mark Souders was the Chief of the Bradenton Fire Department after serving 20 years at the Cedar Hammock Fire Department. Mark died of a sudden heart attack on January 05, 2011. He is survived by a daughter.
Chief Mark Souders was the Chief of the Bradenton Fire Department after serving 20 years at the Cedar Hammock Fire Department. Mark died of a sudden heart attack on January 05, 2011. He is survived by a daughter.
Mike Noonan #0211
Firefighter Mike Noonan spent 19 years as a New York City Paramedic. He was a life Member of the Point Lookout - Lido (NY) Fire Department and worked at the Rocky Point (NY) Fire Department. Mike died on June 15, 2012 of a brain aneurism. He is survived by his wife Mary and their twin sons, Liam and Finbar. See a tribute to Firefighter Mike Noonan here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OycUgk2mUFU
Firefighter Mike Noonan spent 19 years as a New York City Paramedic. He was a life Member of the Point Lookout - Lido (NY) Fire Department and worked at the Rocky Point (NY) Fire Department. Mike died on June 15, 2012 of a brain aneurism. He is survived by his wife Mary and their twin sons, Liam and Finbar. See a tribute to Firefighter Mike Noonan here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OycUgk2mUFU
Bob Kline #0255
Fire Marshal Bob Kline started with the West Side Fire Department in Bradenton, FL in January 1963 and was their first full-time fireman. He retired in December 1992 as Fire Marshal after 30 years of service. Bob was aboard the LST 288 and was in the Normandy Invasion on ‘D’ Day. Bob died of natural causes on August 7, 2013. He is survived by his wife Beatrice and daughters Stephanie and Judy. See a tribute to Fire Marshal Kline here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok5y7h5C4Yk
Fire Marshal Bob Kline started with the West Side Fire Department in Bradenton, FL in January 1963 and was their first full-time fireman. He retired in December 1992 as Fire Marshal after 30 years of service. Bob was aboard the LST 288 and was in the Normandy Invasion on ‘D’ Day. Bob died of natural causes on August 7, 2013. He is survived by his wife Beatrice and daughters Stephanie and Judy. See a tribute to Fire Marshal Kline here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok5y7h5C4Yk
Jim Shinsky #7596
Captain Jim Shinsky served 26 years with the Lorain (OH) Fire Department and retired as Captain in 1999. Jim passed away of cancer on December 31, 2013. Jim is survived by his wife Kathy and sons Garry and Tim.
Captain Jim Shinsky served 26 years with the Lorain (OH) Fire Department and retired as Captain in 1999. Jim passed away of cancer on December 31, 2013. Jim is survived by his wife Kathy and sons Garry and Tim.
Mike Brophy #3852
Fire Commissioner Mike Brophy served with the Lealman Fire Department near St. Petersburg, FL. Mike passed away from a heart attack on Monday, April 7, 2014. Mike is survived by his wife Abby and sons Michael and Andrew.
Fire Commissioner Mike Brophy served with the Lealman Fire Department near St. Petersburg, FL. Mike passed away from a heart attack on Monday, April 7, 2014. Mike is survived by his wife Abby and sons Michael and Andrew.
Bill Maturi #8691
Deputy Chief Bill Maturi retired in 1992 from Cedar Hammock Fire Department. He was a past member of the Pennington Road Fire Department and Liberty Rescue Squad in the Trenton, NJ area. Bill died of heart failure on November 16, 2014. Bill is survived by his wife Linda, his daughters Lisa and Michele Dugan and a son.
Deputy Chief Bill Maturi retired in 1992 from Cedar Hammock Fire Department. He was a past member of the Pennington Road Fire Department and Liberty Rescue Squad in the Trenton, NJ area. Bill died of heart failure on November 16, 2014. Bill is survived by his wife Linda, his daughters Lisa and Michele Dugan and a son.
Christina Doyle #15580
Firefighter/EMT Christina Doyle served with North Port Fire Rescue and was a 4th generation firefighter, a member of the North Port Fire Rescue Honor Guard, a member of the North Port Firefighters Benevolent Association, was the City’s Firefighter of the Year in 2012 and was given the Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence in 2015. Christina passed away from cancer on Monday, August 3rd, 2015 surrounded by some of her Station 84 crew and family. Christina was 36 years old.
Firefighter/EMT Christina Doyle served with North Port Fire Rescue and was a 4th generation firefighter, a member of the North Port Fire Rescue Honor Guard, a member of the North Port Firefighters Benevolent Association, was the City’s Firefighter of the Year in 2012 and was given the Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence in 2015. Christina passed away from cancer on Monday, August 3rd, 2015 surrounded by some of her Station 84 crew and family. Christina was 36 years old.
Darrell Tokarski #0226
Lieutenant Darrell "Tow Truck" Tokarski was employed by the Sarasota County Fire Department from 1984 through 2001. Lt. Tokarski retired as a Fire Inspector/Investigator. "Tow Truck" passed away on October 11, 2016 from complications due to a rattlesnake bite at the age of 56.
Lieutenant Darrell "Tow Truck" Tokarski was employed by the Sarasota County Fire Department from 1984 through 2001. Lt. Tokarski retired as a Fire Inspector/Investigator. "Tow Truck" passed away on October 11, 2016 from complications due to a rattlesnake bite at the age of 56.
Russell Randolph #12208
Fire Chief Russell Randolph began his career with the Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, Long Island, NY in 1979. In 1984, he moved to Bradenton, FL to work as a Dispatcher for the Manatee County Department of Public Safety and also joined the Braden River Volunteer Fire Department (now East Manatee Fire Rescue). He was promoted to Lieutenant at Braden River FD in 1985. Russell was a Firefighter with the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District from 1990 until 2001. In 2011 he joined the Trailer Estates Volunteer Fire Department and became the Fire Chief in 2015. Chief Randolph passed away on October 14, 2016 after a long illness at the age of 55.
Fire Chief Russell Randolph began his career with the Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, Long Island, NY in 1979. In 1984, he moved to Bradenton, FL to work as a Dispatcher for the Manatee County Department of Public Safety and also joined the Braden River Volunteer Fire Department (now East Manatee Fire Rescue). He was promoted to Lieutenant at Braden River FD in 1985. Russell was a Firefighter with the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District from 1990 until 2001. In 2011 he joined the Trailer Estates Volunteer Fire Department and became the Fire Chief in 2015. Chief Randolph passed away on October 14, 2016 after a long illness at the age of 55.
Vic Accurso Sr #0252
Firefighter Accurso began his career with the New York City FD in 1968. From 1968-1998, Vic served at several fire departments in New York including S. Farmingdale & Roscoe-Rockland. In 1998, he moved to Bradenton, FL and was a volunteer FF at West Manatee FD. Upon hearing about the 9/11 attacks and that civilians & firefighters were trapped at the WTC site, Vic packed his gear and headed to NYC, where he assisted at the WTC site. Vic moved to Soddy Daisey, TN in 2005 and serving with the Dallas Bay & Sale Creek FD's. Firefighter . Vic Accurso died of 9/11 related cancer on January 31, 2017.
Firefighter Accurso began his career with the New York City FD in 1968. From 1968-1998, Vic served at several fire departments in New York including S. Farmingdale & Roscoe-Rockland. In 1998, he moved to Bradenton, FL and was a volunteer FF at West Manatee FD. Upon hearing about the 9/11 attacks and that civilians & firefighters were trapped at the WTC site, Vic packed his gear and headed to NYC, where he assisted at the WTC site. Vic moved to Soddy Daisey, TN in 2005 and serving with the Dallas Bay & Sale Creek FD's. Firefighter . Vic Accurso died of 9/11 related cancer on January 31, 2017.
John Leydon #0812
Firefighter John Leydon served Cedar Hammock Fire District, in Bradenton, FL as a volunteer firefighter from February 1989 until his fulltime hire date of August 1991. FF Leydon served the district for 24 years total with volunteer and paid service until his retirement date of February 2013, due to illness. John passed away October 02, 2017 at the age of 52 after battling a form of Parkinson’s disease for 4 ½ years. John was a bachelor, although he leaves behind his dedicated soul mate, Patty Woods.
Firefighter John Leydon served Cedar Hammock Fire District, in Bradenton, FL as a volunteer firefighter from February 1989 until his fulltime hire date of August 1991. FF Leydon served the district for 24 years total with volunteer and paid service until his retirement date of February 2013, due to illness. John passed away October 02, 2017 at the age of 52 after battling a form of Parkinson’s disease for 4 ½ years. John was a bachelor, although he leaves behind his dedicated soul mate, Patty Woods.
Billy Kocur #4870
Battalion Chief Billy Kocur joined the Sarasota County Fire Department in April 1992 after serving the Bradenton Fire Department. Kocur was the lieutenant at Station No. 1 beginning in 2005 and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2013. He served as the Battalion Chief for Stations No. 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 23. He was also heavily involved in training personnel and supervision. “Everybody will miss his mustache,” Assistant Chief and longtime friend Rod VanOrsdol said. “The guy had the best mustache in the whole department and the smirk that went beneath it. ... That’s classic Billy Kocur.” Billy passed away on October 15, 2017 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident near Helen, GA. Billy is survived by his wife Heidi, son Garret, daughter Hally and a granddaughter.
Battalion Chief Billy Kocur joined the Sarasota County Fire Department in April 1992 after serving the Bradenton Fire Department. Kocur was the lieutenant at Station No. 1 beginning in 2005 and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2013. He served as the Battalion Chief for Stations No. 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 23. He was also heavily involved in training personnel and supervision. “Everybody will miss his mustache,” Assistant Chief and longtime friend Rod VanOrsdol said. “The guy had the best mustache in the whole department and the smirk that went beneath it. ... That’s classic Billy Kocur.” Billy passed away on October 15, 2017 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident near Helen, GA. Billy is survived by his wife Heidi, son Garret, daughter Hally and a granddaughter.
Paul Deese #0774
Capt. Paul Deese III retired in January 2011 from Southern Manatee Fire Rescue after serving in the fire service in Manatee County since 1980... initially with the Samoset FD, where he was a chief officer. Paul passed away on August 22, 2020 after battling cancer & the COVID 19 virus. He is survived by his two children.....daughter Jamie & son Paul Deese IV.
Capt. Paul Deese III retired in January 2011 from Southern Manatee Fire Rescue after serving in the fire service in Manatee County since 1980... initially with the Samoset FD, where he was a chief officer. Paul passed away on August 22, 2020 after battling cancer & the COVID 19 virus. He is survived by his two children.....daughter Jamie & son Paul Deese IV.
Richy Evers #7724
Richy was appointed to FDNY in 1970. He was assigned to L172, L168, L123, L132 & Res2cue. He retired in 1999 after 20 years in Res2cue. His career was one that most only aspire to. He was the man in the arena. He moved to Bradenton in 2002, was a founding member of 941 Heroes & was a lomg time member of the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Committee, encouraging people to Never Forget 9/11. After a courageous battle, Richy passed away on May 10, 2022 of 9/11 related cancer. Although Richy was a big man & a true bad ass ghetto firefighter, he was a big teddy bear who was loved by all. He is survived by his wife Denise, a son, a daughter & a grandson.
Richy was appointed to FDNY in 1970. He was assigned to L172, L168, L123, L132 & Res2cue. He retired in 1999 after 20 years in Res2cue. His career was one that most only aspire to. He was the man in the arena. He moved to Bradenton in 2002, was a founding member of 941 Heroes & was a lomg time member of the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Committee, encouraging people to Never Forget 9/11. After a courageous battle, Richy passed away on May 10, 2022 of 9/11 related cancer. Although Richy was a big man & a true bad ass ghetto firefighter, he was a big teddy bear who was loved by all. He is survived by his wife Denise, a son, a daughter & a grandson.
Ed Hollins #0800
Chief Ed Hollins was a USCG WWII veteran & a life member of the Nottingham Fire Company in Hamilton Square, NJ, having joined about 1950. Ed served in many positions from Fireman to Chief of Department and as a Fire Commissioner from 1957-1982. After retiring in 1987 as a union plumber, past Chief Plumbing Inspector & union Business Agent, Ed wintered in the Bradenton area. Having come from a firefighter family (his uncle Alvin Slack joined the Trenton NJ FD in 1911), his firefighter roots were carried on by both his sons, son-in-law & grandson. Chief Hollins passed of natural causes on July 09, 2022 one week from his 97th birthday. He is survived by his wife Leanilda "Toby" Hollins, daughters Sue Pagano and Judy Caravelli & sons Ken (Nottingham Fire Co) & Leigh (Cedar Hammock FD), 7 grandchildren including Daniel Hollins (Sarasota County FD) and 12 great grandchildren.
Chief Ed Hollins was a USCG WWII veteran & a life member of the Nottingham Fire Company in Hamilton Square, NJ, having joined about 1950. Ed served in many positions from Fireman to Chief of Department and as a Fire Commissioner from 1957-1982. After retiring in 1987 as a union plumber, past Chief Plumbing Inspector & union Business Agent, Ed wintered in the Bradenton area. Having come from a firefighter family (his uncle Alvin Slack joined the Trenton NJ FD in 1911), his firefighter roots were carried on by both his sons, son-in-law & grandson. Chief Hollins passed of natural causes on July 09, 2022 one week from his 97th birthday. He is survived by his wife Leanilda "Toby" Hollins, daughters Sue Pagano and Judy Caravelli & sons Ken (Nottingham Fire Co) & Leigh (Cedar Hammock FD), 7 grandchildren including Daniel Hollins (Sarasota County FD) and 12 great grandchildren.
Tomy Baker #18178
Chief Thomas (Tomy) Baker passed away as a result of a motorcycle accident on August 03, 2022 at the age of 79. Chief Baker was a 60 year member and former Chief of the Branchville Volunteer FD in College Park, MD. Tomy also worked at the Hillandale (MD) Fire Co. as a paid firefighter. In 1998, Tomy founded the National Red Helmet Ride, in honor of all in the fire service who gave their lives in the Line-of-Duty. Tomy is survived by his daughters Marjorie & Tammy and sons Yancy & Sean.
Chief Thomas (Tomy) Baker passed away as a result of a motorcycle accident on August 03, 2022 at the age of 79. Chief Baker was a 60 year member and former Chief of the Branchville Volunteer FD in College Park, MD. Tomy also worked at the Hillandale (MD) Fire Co. as a paid firefighter. In 1998, Tomy founded the National Red Helmet Ride, in honor of all in the fire service who gave their lives in the Line-of-Duty. Tomy is survived by his daughters Marjorie & Tammy and sons Yancy & Sean.
Vic Accurso Jr #0239
Vic started his 35-year career in fire service in Roscoe, NY before serving as a firefighter/paramedic in Manatee, Hardee and Desoto Counties in Florida. While in Florida he also served as a Fire Instructor at the Manatee Technical College. After retiring to Tennessee, he served as the Training Captain with the Signal Mountain Fire Department and Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Vic was able to train many firefighters & taught at FDIC, the largest firefighter conference in the world. Capt Accurso, 51, passed away on October 28, 2022 after a battle with brain cancer. Survivors include his wife Christina & sons Corey, Mark, Darren, Mason, C. J. and Colton.
Vic started his 35-year career in fire service in Roscoe, NY before serving as a firefighter/paramedic in Manatee, Hardee and Desoto Counties in Florida. While in Florida he also served as a Fire Instructor at the Manatee Technical College. After retiring to Tennessee, he served as the Training Captain with the Signal Mountain Fire Department and Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Vic was able to train many firefighters & taught at FDIC, the largest firefighter conference in the world. Capt Accurso, 51, passed away on October 28, 2022 after a battle with brain cancer. Survivors include his wife Christina & sons Corey, Mark, Darren, Mason, C. J. and Colton.
