Honorees

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Year Honored
2010
Honoree
David M. Deland
Agency
Lake-Sumter EMS
Agency City
Mount Dora
Agency State
FL
Last Call
11/6/09
Cause of Death
On-duty Cardiac
Biography
David Michael DeLand, 45, of Tavares, Florida died in the line of duty on November 6, 2009 of cardiac arrest.<br /> <br /> Two qualities that David will always be remembered for were his calm, confident approach to work and life and his great love for his family. These two traits served him well in the field of Emergency Medical Services - a cool head and a big heart. These two traits also allowed David to balance his professional and personal lives well, succeeding in both arenas.<br /> <br /> David worked his way up to district chief at Lake-Sumter EMS by demonstrating his high standards of patient care, his fairness with those he supervised and mentored, and his quiet, calm leadership. David's career began as an EMT in 1986; he soon went back to school and earned the title of Paramedic in 1988. He rose through the ranks at Florida Regional EMS before moving to Lake-Sumter EMS as a field supervisor in 2000. David subsequently earned the role as a district chief and was well-respected by all who knew him.<br /> <br /> David's big heart was put to work "making things better" in both his professional and personal lives. David's love of family was the focal point of his life. He and his wife, Toni, shared a happy 22-year marriage. David loved the outdoors and enjoyed getaways to the family cabin with his wife, his children, his brothers and numerous family members. As a gifted carpenter, there was nothing in the world David could not fix, and he was often the last one to the camp fire because he was working on a project.<br /> <br /> David M. DeLand - loved and missed by all of us!<br /> <br /> Honored 2010