Firefighter honored as National Paramedic of the Year

In a recent government meeting, North Lauderdale celebrated the remarkable achievements of two local heroes: firefighter paramedic Lieutenant Houston Holcomb and detective Natasha Duran.

Lieutenant Holcomb was honored for being named the 2024 National Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. This prestigious award recognizes paramedics who demonstrate exceptional patient care and professionalism. Holcomb earned this accolade for his life-saving actions during a house fire in December 2020, where his quick response helped save the life of a three-year-old girl who had suffered near-fatal injuries. He will receive the award at the National EMS Expo in Las Vegas this September.

During the meeting, Holcomb expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and training in emergency situations. \"It's really just having the resources we need, the training, and it just kicks in like second nature,\" he stated, highlighting the collaborative effort of his colleagues.

Detective Natasha Duran was also recognized for her outstanding work in solving a series of residential burglaries in the Broadview Estates area. Her diligent investigation led to the identification and arrest of a suspect, Kariah Webster, who is currently incarcerated on a $100,000 bond. Duran's relentless pursuit of justice not only cleared three burglaries but also restored a sense of safety to the community.

Sergeant Thomas Gentile praised Duran's commitment, noting that her efforts significantly impacted the neighborhood's stability and safety. Duran was awarded the June 2024 Employee of the Month for her exceptional investigative skills and dedication.

Both Holcomb and Duran's recognitions underscore the vital role of first responders in maintaining community safety and well-being, showcasing the high standards of service in North Lauderdale.