- February 4, 2025
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The Ormond Beach Fire Department celebrated its first awards banquet on Jan. 24. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Ethan Wilson Firefighter of the Year R.L. Durham (right) poses with his fiancee (left) and Ethan Wilson's family, Ashley and Coast Wilson (middle). Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Capt. Carrie Davis shakes Chief Howard Bailey's hand. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Driver Engineer Mark Allen and firefighter Marc Pinkman. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Ashley and Coast Wilson, Firefighter of the Year R.L. Durham and Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Battalion Chief Keith Crockett, Driver Engineer of the Year Nick Nates and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Battalion Chief Keith Crockett, Captain of the Year Hunter Ramirez and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Battalion Chief Travis Taft, Paramedic of the Year Robert Zalewski and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Battalion Chief Matt Marteeny, Capt. David Randall and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Battalion Chief Matt Marteeny, Firefighter Marc Pinkman, Capt. Carrie Davis, Driver Engineer Dale Kelly and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, Battalion Chief Kieth Crockett, Driver Engineer Nick Nates, firefighter Zach Snyder and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier, firefighter R.L. Durham, Driver Engineer Robert Zalewski, Capt. Joe Dupree and Fire Chief Howard Bailey. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach
The Ormond Beach Fire Department held its first awards banquet on Jan. 24, recognizing several firefighters and crews for their achievements.
In 2024, the department handled 9,401 responses, battled 116 fires, responded to 4,752 EMS and Rescue calls, managed 154 hazardous conditions and handled over 1,500 service calls.
This year's Ethan Wilson Firefighter of the Year award went to R.L. Durham. The award is named after late OBFD firefighter Ethan Wilson, who died in 2023, and honors Durham's dedication and compassion.
Wilson's widow, Ashley, presented the award. She shared a time she and her husband were on their way to the beach and she saw news of another department's awards ceremony.
"So I looked at Ethan and asked, 'Why doesn’t Ormond have a Firefighter of the Year awards ceremony?'" Ashley Wilson recalled. "I kid you not, I don’t even think he took a breath and he said, 'Because Ashley they can’t award me with Firefighter of the Year every year, so it would be pointless to have the ceremony, you know?' Then comes this devilish grin and laughter. If you know Ethan, then you know that statement was in jest to make me laugh."
He didn't care about being Firefighter of the Year because "it weaved through him innately, all the characteristics you want in someone caring for you and working next to you on your hardest day," she continued. The Firefighter of the Year award aims to honor a firefighter who embodies the same dedication and compassion, she said.
Durham recently received his paramedic license, was named rider of the year, and has demonstrated a will to learn by attending extra courses. He also lifts up his crew and everyone around him with his constant smile, Wilson said.
"In a career field that can take a toll on you mentally and physically, almost every nomination for this firefighter mentioned his positive attitude," Ashley Wilson said.
The department also recognized its Driver Engineer of the Year, acting Capt. Nick Nates. Battalion Chief Keith Crockett, who presented the award, said it was a recognition of one of the most critical roles in the department.
"This year’s recipient has shown remarkable dedication to their craft, consistently striving for excellence," Crockett said. "From taking advanced conference-level and leadership courses to scoring number one on the most recent captain's test, this individual has proven they are not only committed to their own growth but also to the growth of those around them."
Crockett also presented the Captain of the Year Award to Capt. Hunter Ramirez. This is a recognition of exemplary leadership, dedication and the ability to inspire and guide a team, Crockett said.
"Known for his unwavering passion for the job, this individual has dedicated countless hours to training — often on his day off — and has played a pivotal role in elevating the skills of everyone in our department," Crockett said. "He is a trailblazer, leading by example with a positive attitude and a tireless commitment to ensuring every member of his crew is prepared and confident in their abilities."
The award of Paramedic of the Year went to Driver Engineer Robert Zalewski. Battalion Chief Travis Taft said the award recognized "outstanding skill, compassion, and dedication in one of the most demanding roles in our profession."
"Paramedics are the lifeline in some of the most critical moments, providing care, comfort, and expertise to those in need when seconds matter most," Taft said. "This year’s recipient has exemplified what it means to be a paramedic through his unwavering dedication to his craft and the people he serves. ... Known for his exceptional clinical skills and aggressive patient care under pressure, he is someone his peers and patients trust wholeheartedly."
Four crews were also honored for their service during a notable call.
Capt. Joe Dupree, Zalewski and Durham were the team that responded to the January 2023 active shooter situation at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, where a 76-year-old woman shot her terminally ill husband in a murder-suicide pact.
Nates, Driver Engineer Denton Sawyer and firefighter Zach Snyder responded to a December 2023 fire at local apartments, and were the team conducting the search to locate and rescue anyone trapped inside. The team pulled a victim from the building.
Capt. David Randall, Driver Engineer Luke Hoynoski and firefighter Zander Harper responded to an April 2022 fire where a bedridden victim was trapped inside. The crew located the victim and rescued them.
Lastly, Capt. Carrie Davis, Driver Engineer Dale Kelly and firefighter Marc Pinkman responded to a 2023 Christmas Day incident where a vehicle carrying a mother and three young children hydroplaned off I-95, overturning into a water-filled ditch. The family was pulled from the car by bystanders prior to the crew's arrival, but once at the scene, the crew retrieved the family's Christmas gifts.
"To our award recipients, your dedication, bravery, and teamwork inspire us all," OBFD Chief Howard Bailey said. "You set the standard for excellence, and we are proud to honor you. To the families and loved ones, your unwavering support allows us to do this demanding work. You are our foundation, and we are deeply grateful for your sacrifices. Together, we are more than a department — we are a family."
