FL Apparatus to Be Named after Fallen FF

When he died 3½ years ago, Lake County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Jack Fillman was remembered for being a calm and steady hand in the aftermath of 2007 tornadoes that killed 21 people in Lady Lake and Lake Mack.

Next week, his name will live on as Fire Rescue’s newest firetruck is dedicated in honor of the 15-year agency veteran.

Fillman’s family, co-workers, county commissioners and Department of Public Safety staffers with gather for a dedication ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lake County Fire Station 72, 12340 County Road 44, Leesburg.

Engine 72 will be named “Jack” after Fillman, who was responsible for adding advanced life-support service to the county’s Fire Rescue operation, Fire Chief Jim Dickerson said in a news release.

“It is only appropriate to dedicate this truck in his honor because of this being the fire unit that provided service to him and his family,” Dickerson said.

Fillman died July 30, 2015, at 63 following a bout with cancer.

He was known for his dedication, working 30 days straight after the killer tornadoes, pausing only to sneak in a few hours of sleep, and “continuing to work up until just weeks before his passing...”

“Therefore, county leaders and staff saw it fitting to honor his public service in ceremonious fashion traditionally known as a ‘push back,’” according to the release.

The “push back” tradition pays homage “to the days when firefighters had to detach the fire wagon from the horses and push it in by hand.”

The $350,000 fire engine will feature new Fire Rescue graphics that eventually will be incorporated on all Fire Rescue trucks.

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony.

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