Ormond Beach Fire Department honors Marc Pinkman as Firefighter of the Year

At its second annual banquet, OBFD also recognized its Driver Engineer, Paramedic and Captain of the Year.

  • By Observer Staff
  • | 5:00 p.m. January 27, 2026
  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • News
  • Share

Ormond Beach Firefighter Marc Pinkman was recognized as the department's Firefighter of the Year during the second annual Ormond Beach Fire Department Banquet at S.R. Perrott on Friday, Jan. 23.

The award, named after late firefighter Ethan Wilson, recognizes a firefighter who pushes for excellence and demonstrates commitment to personal growth and the success of the department. The award was presented by Wilson's widow, Ashley, who said Pinkman exhibits professionalism and is always looking to better himself as a firefighter.

"Hardworking and eager to learn, this firefighter is never afraid to ask questions, learns quickly, and consistently applies what he learns on the job," Ashley Wilson said. "He is described by his co-workers as a dependable teammate, someone his entire crew can count on, helping build confidence, knowledge, and a positive department culture. He may be young, but his growth, work ethic, and dedication already reflect the core values of the Ormond Beach Fire Department and signal the promise of a strong future leader."

The banquet also recognized its Driver Engineer of the

Year, Jamie Singer. The award was presented by Battalion Chief Travis Taft, who said that Singer leads by example.

"His work ethic, character, humility, and professionalism speak for themselves," Taft said. "He treats everyone with respect and kindness, taking time to explain the driver position to new drivers and firefighters alike. He goes above and beyond to ensure everyone we encounter in our day-to-day work has a positive experience with the Ormond Beach Fire Department."

This year's Captain of the Year was Battalion Chief Joe Dupree, who was promoted to his rank last August. The award was presented by Battalion Chief Matt Marteeny.

"Even after more than 20 years in the fire service and responding to some of the toughest calls this department has ever faced, his resilience and steady leadership flow through those who look up to him," Marteeny said of Dupree.

Marteeny also presented the award for Paramedic of the Year to firefighter Braden Hansard. He is a newer medic, Marteeny noted, but many of the nominations for the award jokingly mentioned that OBFD hired a doctor instead of a firefighter. Hansard has served as a lead medic on serious calls and rode with a patient in an ambulance 20 times last year, the most of any of the department's paramedics. 

"Beyond patient care, we all know this paramedic is in love with the EMS profession," Marteeny said. "He spends his personal time outside of shift continuing to learn. While on duty, he takes the time to teach the EMTs — explaining the ‘why’ behind medical decisions and prepares future medics through hands-on training and mentorship."

In addition to individual awards, the banquet recognized crews who responded to extraordinary calls:

  • Capt. Garrett Fiske, Driver Engineer Robert Zalewski, Firefighter RL Durham and Firefighter Ben Loyd — The crew responded to a three-vehicle crash where occupants (including a mastiff dog) had to be extricated. Firefighters carried out advanced life support procedures on two patients, who were later declared trauma alerts. 
  • Capt. Patrick Soard, Firefighter Evan Loveless and Firefighter Nick Duh — The crew responded to a call where the patient was short of breath and was found unresponsive on the floor when they arrived. The firefighters initiated CPR and implemented advanced cardiac life support protocols successfully, and the patient was transported to the hospital. The patient was later able to walk out of the hospital.
  • Battalion Chief Jerimiah Ingraham, Driver Engineer Robert Zalewski, Firefighter Vann Meadows and Firefighter Ben Loyd — The crew helped law enforcement when 17 malnourished dogs were found locked in a trailer. They helped rescue the dogs, including 10 newborn puppies. 
  • Capt. Carrie Davis, Firefighter Evan Loveless and Firefighter Drake Goodman — While helping a patient in cardiac arrest, the crew discovered a foreign object in the patient's airway, which they successfully removed, preventing what could've been a fatal outcome. 
  • Battalion Chief Joe Dupree, Driver Engineer Robert Zalewski and Firefighter Nick Duh — The crew responded to a call involving two toddler and an infant, who were unclothed and covered in blood, while managing an emotionally overwhelmed parent. Dupree coordinated warm food for the family and the rest of the crew went with the Ormond Beach Police Department to look for clothes. One firefighter provided physical therapy to the infant. 

In his closing remarks, Ormond Beach Fire Chief Howard Bailey told the award recipients that they had been recognized for a reason.

"You set the standard for excellence this year, and we are beyond proud of you and proud that you are an Ormond Beach firefighter," he said.

 

Latest News

  • January 27, 2026
Bill by Sen. Leek requires Daytona Beach to right funding wrongs to receive state legislative money
  • January 27, 2026
Infusion therapy company Noble Infusions to open new office location in Palm Coast
  • January 27, 2026
Seabreeze upsets New Smyrna Beach to win boys soccer district championship
×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.