Original COFEMS Team Member Retires After 25 Years of Service
By: Orange County Communications Department
Among many friends, family, decades - long coworkers, and members of the first responder community, Lieutenant James T. “ Tony ” Franklin of County of Orange Fire & EMS (COFEMS) celebrated his retirement in the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting room on Friday, September 27. Lt. Franklin holds the distinction of having been the longest - tenured COFEMS team member. He was a part of the team from the very beginning of the department. Since that time, Lt. Franklin has held multiple positions and served in a variety of roles within the department. Throughout his career he has provided a consistent example of powerful servant leadership. He has mentored, encouraged, and inspired dozens of Orange County ’ s first responders with his trademark blend of compassion, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Many COFEMS leaders today have fond memories of learning from Tony.
Lt. Franklin with his family at his retirement celebration.
It would be difficult to exaggerate the impact he has had upon the department. He ’ s been involved in everything from training to developing specifications for ambulance procurement. However, serving patients has always been his calling. Regular Insight readers may remember that Lt. Franklin was one of the responders honored with a Unit Citation last March for his efforts responding to a Rhoadesville - area structure fire. After a successful rescue was made, Lt. Franklin and Sheriff ’ s Office Deputies began to perform life saving measures on the rescued victim. While his partner continued to attempt additional search operations, Lt. Franklin saw to the care of the victim with the assistance of the OCSO Deputies. The leadership he demonstrated while guiding the deputies was instrumental in providing lifesaving care to his patient. This recent example is just one among a full career of life - saving. We wish him all the best in retirement, and thank him for his service!
Page 5 | October 2024
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