Matthew Negedly (41) November 29, 2016 Matthew Negedly achieved his Masters Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Central Florida and later became District Fire Chief for the Orlando Fire Department. During his career in firefighting, he founded the Orlando Fire Conference, was a HOT Instructor at FDIC, a member of the Florida Task force, Orlando Pipe and Drums, Honor Guard, Dive Team, USAR Team, TR Team, and an instructor at fire conferences across the country. Survivors include his wife Jill and their four-year old twins. Andrew “Andy” Perrone (75) June 4, 2016 Chief Perrone joined the Junior Firefighters in Lincoln Park Station #2 and then later became Assistant Chief. In 1982 Andy moved to Lake Tropicana and worked for the Florida Department of Transportation. He later began working as a volunteer firefighter in Lake Tropicana, and in 1984 became Volunteer Chief. Andy had a servant’s heart and the Lake Tropicana Fire Department and the community of Dunnellon greatly appreciated Andy’s public service. He was predeceased by his wife Susan. Roman Worth “Putch” Putchaven (92) June 3, 2016 Putch Putchaven worked for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Company before joining the U.S. Army in 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater in World War II as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. Putch had 47 years of dedicated, continuous service to the City of Chiefland and Levy County. During that time, he served on the City's Planning and Zoning Board. He was elected Chiefland's first Mayor-Commissioner and he was a volunteer fireman, serving as Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief. Putch is survived by his wife Kay, one daughter, two sons, and seven grandchildren. Russell J. Randolph (55) October 14, 2016 Chief Randolph began his firefighting career with the Manhasset-Lakeville (NY) Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Company 3. In 1984, he moved to Bradenton to work as a Dispatcher in the Manatee County Department of Public Safety. He also joined the Braden River Volunteer Fire Department, promoted to Lieutenant in 1985. Chief Randolph was a Forensic Photographer with the Manatee County Arson Task Force from 1985 to 1991. He retired after serving 11 years as a full-time firefighter with the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District. He joined the volunteer Fire Department in Trailer Estates and became the Chief in 2015. Chief Randolph is survived by a sister and he leaves behind a large family of Firefighters from New York to Florida. Nicholas "Nick" J. Ruggiero (84) July 30, 2016 Nick Ruggiero served in the Korean War where he was wounded during an aircraft raid and he later received the Purple Heart. Nick was Fire Chief in Spring Hill when it started with a red emergency phone, a siren in the park, some men with shovels, and an old hearse. He grew the department to two stations fully equipped with fire trucks, rescue units, Certified Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics. He later became Deputy Fire Chief in Brooksville and developed the Emergency Management System for Hernando and surrounding counties. He was dedicated to saving life and property. He is survived by his wife Ethel, two daughters, one son, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Tim Sachse (62) May 8, 2017 Lieutenant Tim Sachse served the citizens of Oviedo for the past 16 years, and prior to that was a member of the City of Orlando Fire Department for 25 years. Tim proudly served the Oviedo community in his leadership role and was well known for mentoring new firefighters. He was well respected among his peers, ue to his lengthy career service. Michael Edward Sparks (66) May 29, 2016 Michael Sparks served in the Army in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Vietnam. He also received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals. He was a past Fire Chief with the Micco Volunteer Fire Department and Captain with the Sebastian Volunteer Fire Department. Michael is survived by wife Natalie, four children, and five grandchildren. Samuel Elton Sutton (84) July 14, 2016 Samuel Sutton passed after a brief battle with cancer. Sam had a 21-year career in the USAF and retired as a Safety Investigator. He later retired from civil service at the Hurlburt Field Fire Department as an Assistant Fire Chief/Trainer. Sam and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their RV with friends and family with Sam often taking on the role of “wagon master.” Thomas Tharp (74) July 20, 2016 Tom joined the United States Air Force in 1960, followed by a career with the Department of Defense working at the National Security Agency. Returning to Florida, Tom became an active member of the Key Largo Fire/Rescue, advocated and improved training throughout the Florida Keys, and helped found the Key Largo Fire-Rescue and Emergency Medical Services special taxing district. Tom completed over 25 years of service with the Odenton (MD) Volunteer Fire Company. He served as Maryland’s delegate to the National Volunteer Fire Council for many years, as well as on the Planning Committee of the Congressional Fire Services. Mike Urenda (47) September 25, 2016 Mike Urenda was a Destin Fire Department Battalion Chief and an Ocean City Fire Commissioner. He previously served as a Tactical Air Command and Control Specialist in the U.S. Air Force. He will be remembered most as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Suzy, three sons, one daughter, a granddaughter, parents, and four brothers. Billy A. Wingate (66) August 21, 2016 Billy Wingate retired from Hardee County Fire Rescue in 2004 after 17 years and having served as Fire Chief 1999- 2001. He worked as a ranger with the State of Florida Department of Forestry and as an EMT with Highlands County. He is survived by his wife Catherine, three children, a stepson, and six grandchildren. July 2017 FFS.QXD 6/27/17 8:02 PM Page 25