Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services

09/08/2025

Ocala Police Department we can’t thank you enough for what all of you do in our community. Hometown Heroes is a token of our deep appreciation and we’re thrilled to have your team attend every year!

09/07/2025

Not my usual but as a little light shined in Thursday evening on this great event recognizing some of our great Hometown Heroes it was a pleasure to be one of the photographers ❤️🇺🇸

09/05/2025

We can’t express enough how much we appreciate Ocala Fire Rescue and all they do for us! We were thrilled all of you could attend our 9th Annual Hometown Heroes Gala!

09/05/2025

Thank you Citrus County Fire Rescue for being part of our 9th Annual Hometown Heroes Gala - it was an honor and privilege to have you with us!

🚑🔥 Honoring Our 2025 Hometown Heroes 🔥🚑

Last night, CCFR proudly attended the 8th Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Gala at the Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala, hosted by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services and NAMI Marion County. This event celebrates local heroes who go above and beyond in service to their communities and our crews did just that.

👏 Please join us in congratulating our Hometown Hero Finalists and Award Recipients:

🏅 Finalists:
🚒Captain/Paramedic Wayne McClendon
🚒Driver Engineer/Paramedic Henry Helwig
🚑Paramedic Loren VanDruff
🚑EMT Marcus Carn

These individuals were honored for their exceptional teamwork and life-saving actions on a call that began as a routine fall. The patient quickly deteriorated, going into full cardiac arrest. The crew seamlessly initiated advanced life support, including use of the LUCAS device, and revived the patient before arrival at the hospital. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged home.

🏆 Act of Valor Award Recipients:
🚒Captain/Paramedic Thomas Ratchford
🚒Captain/Paramedic Nathan VanBuren
🚒Driver Engineer/Paramedic Patrick Gaule
🚒Driver Engineer/EMT Alan Blake
🚒Firefighter/EMT Camden Labonte
🚑EMT Blake Daehnick
🚒Firefighter/EMT Kamrin Papale
🚑Paramedic Robin Bowers

These brave personnel responded to a structure fire with a trapped occupant under extreme fire and debris conditions. Their coordinated actions, heroic search and rescue efforts, and immediate medical intervention saved a life that night.

💛 We are beyond proud of their professionalism, bravery, and commitment to the mission of protecting life and serving our community.

09/05/2025

Thank you Ocala Fire Rescue for all you do for the community!! We were thrilled to have you part of our 9th Annual Hometown Heroes Gala!

09/05/2025

Thank you Citrus County Sheriff's Office for everything you do for the community and we were honored for you to be part of our 9th Annual Hometown Heroes Gala! Congratulations on a job well done!

09/05/2025

Thank you Lake County Sheriff's Office - Florida for all that you do and we were thrilled for all of you to be part of Hometown Heroes!

09/05/2025

We're absolutely thrilled Ben Marciano Mayor of Ocala was able to join us at Hometown Heroes! Mayor Ben's leadership makes him our favorite Hometown Heroes Honoree!

09/05/2025

Hometown Heroes is our absolute favorite event of the year! Thank you NAMI Marion County for being our co-presenting sponsor of Hometown Heroes!

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day everyone! There was a lot of interest in the 9/11 Memorial Patriot Ride to the Wall on Saturday, so here's the updated e-flyer with a little more specific information. The HOG Chapter of War Horse Harley-Davidson will be providing breakfast for all you riders during staging/registration!

08/15/2025

Please join us Saturday, September 6, 2025 for the 9/11 Memorial Day Patriot Ride to the Wall. Ride begins at and travels here to Highland Memorial Park. For non-riding attendees, we request arrival at Highland Memorial prior to 9am. Formal program and Jeep Show at 10am!

07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.