West Volusia Chamber, Halifax Health honor first responders at Fifth Annual Valor Luncheon in Deltona

The West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce and Halifax Health UF Health Medical Center of Deltona honored local first responders with valor and lifesaving awards at the fifth annual First Responders Valor Luncheon in Deltona, where departments and individual officers were recognized for responses to multiple 2022 incidents.

The event, hosted by the West Volusia Regional Chamber and Halifax Health, featured award citations for firefighters, deputies and EMS personnel that described the actions that led to nominations, including an on-scene trauma response to a shooting on April 8, 2022; an off‑duty lifesaving response to a stroke at a wedding on Oct. 21, 2022; and a multi‑victim submerged‑vehicle rescue on July 17, 2022.

"Our first responders are the backbone to our health care system," said Lindsey Martin Duffy, director of nursing for emergency services at Halifax Health, UF Health Medical Center of Deltona. "They are the ones responding, entering, acting, treating, and protecting our community members when emergency or crisis arises. Today, we honor you, brave men and women of our community, and we recognize your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication to serving others." The luncheon also included brief remarks and a blessing from Halifax Health chaplain Suzanne Sachel and emcee remarks and citations read by WKMG reporter Molly Reed.

Major awards and citations presented (summary):

- Firefighter of the Year, Volusia County Fire Rescue: Lieutenant Leslie Crandall. The citation notes…