Deputy Chief Victor Scott, 61, died in the line of duty on March 17, 2004 while transporting donated fire equipment back to the Otter Creek Volunteer Fire Department. He suffered from a heart attack while driving alone in a department pick-up truck and died.
"The night before he died, he was at a short training session. He was saying how his stomach felt upset, but he wanted to get the equipment donated so he pushed on through," said Victor's wife and Otter Creek VFD secretary, Barbara Scott.
Along with working for the fire department, Scott delivered fire trucks all over the country and Canada for Florida Trans National.
He was a originally from Trenton, New Jersey and had lived in Florida for three years. He saw a need for this service and sought to fill it, according to Barbara.
"He was in the Navy a number of years ago and he was a firefighter for them too," she said.
He was the chief of the department for several years before stepping down in January to deputy chief. He was appointed mayor of the small town of approximately 130 people in December and took over officially in January. "He was not into politics prior to that, but he saw a need for the community and sought out ways to fulfill those needs," said his wife. "As mayor he planned to educate the fire department as well as other facilities that they would be eligible for grants," she said.
Two of his sons, Christopher and Victor-Brian have started firefighting and Brian also delivers fire trucks for the same company his father did.
"He was a guy who did everything he could for everyone else," his wife said. "He not only helped Otter Creek, but Levy County as a whole. I just want whatever recognition my husband deserves," she said.
Scott is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Michael, David, Victor-Brian, Christopher and daughter Carrie.
"He had a complete firefighter funeral where he was transported in a fire truck, one that he had found in New Jersey," his wife said. "It was a beautiful funeral. He would have been overwhelmed."
A memorial fund has been set up and donations may be sent to: Brian Scott, PO Box 35, Otter Creek, FL 32683
