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Highlands County Fire Rescue promotes two officers; donor gives $42,125 for CPR devices
Summary
Highlands County Fire Rescue promoted John Poynter to battalion chief and Jason Hobbs to lieutenant; the department also received a private donation of $42,125.08 to buy two Lucas automated chest compression systems to improve cardiac arrest care.
Highlands County Fire Rescue announced two promotions and recognition of a private donation during the commission meeting.
Chief Kelly Diefenthaler introduced Lieutenant Firefighter Medic John Poynter, promoted to Battalion Chief, and paramedic Jason Hobbs, promoted to Lieutenant, and praised their progression through volunteer and career ranks. “I’m confident that both team members will continue to excel in their new roles,” the chief said.
The department also received a private cash donation of $42,125.08 from Mr. Scott DeRoler to purchase two Lucas chest compression systems. Chief Diefenthaler described the devices as specialized life‑saving equipment that deliver high‑quality, consistent CPR in line with American Heart Association standards and noted they will be placed into service at Sun N Lakes North and Sun N Lakes South. A commissioner publicly thanked Mrs. DeRoler and the donor for patience and persistence in making the gift possible.
Commissioners and staff posed for a group photo with the honorees and donor. The donation and promotions were formally recognized on the record.
