FIRST RESPONDERS

When things go terribly wrong, we count on our first responders to get us through tough times.

For many of us, we call first responders on our worst days. These days, they’re facing daunting tasks while dealing with staffing issues and high call volumes.

"Battle of the Badges" to raise funds for families of fallen first responders.

Seminole County first responders returned to the Spring Oaks neighborhood Friday as residents are continuing to see widespread flooding from Hurricane Ian.

A fire in a home sent one person to the hospital, according to Orange County Fire Rescue.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday he will be granting $1,000 bonuses for first responders across the state.

Firefighters climbed 110 floors in downtown Orlando to represent the 110 floors inside the Twin Towers.

Margaritaville at Sea cruise line is honoring those that serve our communities with a free cruise.

Sheriff Rick Staly, along with other First Responders who have exceeded the duty requirements, received awards.

A University of Central Florida nonprofit, clinical research center and trauma treatment clinic received $1.4 million to expand its peer support and suicide prevention training for first responders.

Mail delivery didn't give Scott Drummond an adrenaline rush.

Officer Justin White was a veteran of the Port Orange Police Department and a dedicated father and husband.

Heroes weekend returns to Legoland Florida Resort

Fred Robinson says he was blessed to have joined the U.S. Marines along with his twin brother when they were 17 years old.

As Hurricane Laura barrels toward the United States as a powerful Hurricane, Central Florida search-and-rescue teams are deploying ahead of the storm to aid those in need. Stage in place and when the storm passes through, then we’ll be ready to respond to any area that needs assistance,” Task Force 4 leader Walter Lewis said. The Florida USAR Task Force 4 will be traveling to southwest Louisiana, near Lake Charles, to meet with the Louisiana state fire marshal, who will give out orders. Every aspect of the fire service is encapsulated in this response team,” Lewis said. “Some areas, when they wake up Thursday morning, they’re not going to believe what happened,” said Stacy Stewart, a senior hurricane specialist.

The Gary Sinise Foundation held its Serving Heroes event with the Orlando Fire Department on Tuesday. During the stop, workers with the organization handed out dozens of meals to firefighters at Orlando Fire Station One. The event was part of a national COVID-19 relief campaign from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Tuesday's event came as the Gary Sinise Foundation prepares to launch its first chapter in Central Florida on Aug. 15. The organization said the chapter will be the first of many that will expand the footprint of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

First responders line up for antibody testsPublished: May 9, 2020, 7:42 pmAntibody testing is now underway for the first time in Orange County.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Law enforcement and fire departments are teaming up across Seminole County to show appreciation of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. [CORONAVIRUS BRIEFING: Daily ClickOrlando.com newsletter delivered to your inbox]Police and fire departments from Seminole County, Sanford, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs and Longwood are participating, as well as the county's office of emergency management. "They continue to come to work because they have a mission and that's to protect their communities," Seminole County Fire Chief Otto Drozd said. Wednesday's parade made stops at Central Florida Regional Hospital, AdventHealth Lake Mary and Orlando Health Lake Mary. Parades have also been scheduled for Friday at 6:30 a.m. outside AdventHealth Altamonte and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. outside Orlando Health South Seminole.

Starbucks announced that they will give free brewed coffee, including hot and iced, to first responders and workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. An initiative that started on March 23 and now extended through May 31, any customer who identifies as a first responder or frontline worker will receive a tall brewed coffee at no charge. This includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers. Starbucks also announced it will donate $500,000 to two organizations, Operation Gratitude and Direct Relief, to help with the delivery of care packages and needed medical items, including personal protective equipment. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

To show its thanks to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic, McDonald’s is offering health care workers and first responders free “Thank You Meals” from April 22 to May 5. Each meal, whether you choose breakfast, lunch or dinner, is free through the drive-thru or carryout at participating McDonald’s. The meal choice for breakfast includes an Egg McMuffin, Chicken McGriddles or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit. “We are proud to be able support our neighbors who are on the frontlines as first responders and healthcare workers with Thank You Meals.”A valid ID will be required to claim the free meal. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

First responders are hoping to stay safe while they continue to respond to emergency calls in Central Florida during the coronavirus pandemic. Most medical facilities want you to call first if you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms so they can best help you and minimize exposures. If you do believe you have COVID-19 and need to call 911, keep in mind:The same rule applies, only call 911 in an emergency. It’s important to answer accurately so the responding crews know how best to help you and how best to keep themselves save. In addition, in order to continue to help minimize exposures, OCFRD crew members are placing surgical masks on all patients as a precaution right now.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The widow of veteran a Seminole County firefighter said the county he served for 13 years denied him cancer benefits because he was diagnosed before Florida’s first responder cancer benefits legislation became law. Courtney Schieber said her husband, 41-year-old Dustin Schieber, died Feb. 2 after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and, again in 2018. “He wanted me to talk about this because at least then what he’s gone through isn’t in vain,” she said. Ron DeSantis signed Florida Statute 112.1816 into law July 1, 2019, however, while the law supports firefighters and first responders diagnosed with cancer it does not provide retroactive coverage. “I think that’s what should happen in Seminole county,” Bichler said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – For almost two decades, the Orlando Firefighters Hockey Club has been hosting a nationwide competitive hockey tournament that goes beyond the camaraderie and love they share for the game. "It's all for a good cause and we enjoy it," Asher Blumenthal, a firefighter and Captain of OFD Hockey club said. The charitable organization is composed of a group of Orlando firefighters as well as others from surrounding departments. The OFD Hockey club raises money and donates proceeds of the event to the affected families of fallen police officers and firefighters. If they sacrificed in the line of duty and they die in the line of duty, let’s help their families out,” Shanks said.

'Monochrome' co-producer wants documentary to be conversation starter between first responders, residentsPublished: January 14, 2020, 9:59 am"Monochrome" co-producer Deb Ortiz talks about how you can help donate to get the documentary completed.