Honorees

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Year Honored
1993
Honoree
John M Byers, Jr.
Agency
Ocean Reef Public Safety
Agency City
Key Largo
Agency State
FL
Last Call
8/30/92
Cause of Death
Other Trauma
Biography
John's sister Lisa Callis remembers him as "a true success story and proof that anyone can turn their life around." After a troubled adolescence, which led to his dropping out of school at age 16, with encouragement and support from his father John Byers, Sr. and Lisa, John received his high school equivalency degree. He became a firefighter with Ocean Reef Public Safety. During the next two years John received his certification in emergency medical service as a paramedic and underwater dive rescue specialist. Because of his interest in air rescue for trauma patients, he planned to become a licensed pilot. Ironically, the only helicopter trip John took was as the patient, not the pilot.<br /> <br /> He loved outdoor activities, especially deep sea fishing, and was a loyal fan of the Miami Dolphins. His more unique hobbies included trying to improve his car stereo, his tan, and increasing the number of girls' phone numbers in his black book! On a more serious side, John was also a loving and devoted uncle to his niece and nephew.<br /> <br /> John was a fatality of Hurricane Andrew. On August 25, 1992, the day after the hurricane struck Florida, John volunteered to help clear roads in Ocean Reef. He had worked around the clock as a paramedic. As one of his co-workers moved a large tree with a piece of heavy equipment, John was struck in the head. He was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital, where he remained in a coma until his death on August 30.<br /> <br /> At the age of 22, John Michael Byers, Jr. died performing the job he loved so much--giving of himself to help others in need.<br /> <br /> Honored 1993