Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Volunteer Firefighter of the Year - Volunteer Chief Ferris Garrett

Ferris Garrett, Volunteer Chief at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 8, in Sundance, has dedicated his life to serving his community. This retired US Air Force Lt Colonel embodies the true spirit of volunteerism.

He became a volunteer firefighter in 1986 and has served as the Volunteer Chief at Station 8 since 1994.  Over the years, he has worked with Headquarters Staff in developing operational and administrative policies and procedures for volunteer stations.  He has overseen the replacement of more sophisticated fire apparatus and equipment for his station, and protective gear for his crews.  As an active firefighter, each year he responds to over a third of his station’s emergency calls and, combined with weekly training meetings and administrative duties, he volunteers over 500 hours a year.

Other commitments to his community include serving in officer positions in the Hillsborough County Volunteer Fire Services Association. He helped establish the Gloria Beasley Fire Explorer Post helping to mentor numerous young men and women who now serve as volunteer and career firefighters. 

When the volunteer firefighters began participating in the annual MDA Boot Drive, he used his organizational skills to insure each station received proper credit for their efforts and arranged the deposits, as well as participating in the boot drive himself.

These are just a few of the highlights that recognized
Chief Ferris Garrett as Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s
“VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR”

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