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.

07/04/2025

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

06/29/2025

Writing letters can be a powerful way to navigate mourning, allowing you to express emotions that might feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled tips, examples, and a free writing prompt you can download.

Discover the healing power of letter writing after loss and how it can help with grief. Find expert tips and resources to guide you through the process.

06/15/2025

06/13/2025

This Father’s Day, we celebrate and remember the fathers and father figures who left an indelible mark on our lives. Their guidance and love remain with us always. If you’re looking for thoughtful memorial or sympathy gifts to celebrate your dad, click the link below. https://www.afterall.com/memorial-store/gifting/top-gifts-loss-of-a-father.html

06/08/2025

It’s said that you cannot pick your family, but for many of us, our best friends become our family. And when they pass away, the loss can feel insurmountable. Click the link below for gentle coping mechanisms if you’re mourning the loss of a dear friend.

Discover practical ways to cope with the grief of losing a friend, including emotional support strategies and self-care tips to help you heal.

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason we gather, reflect, and stand together in gratitude.

We honor not only their service, but the lives they lived — the families they loved, the dreams they carried, and the legacy they leave behind.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, or the people who paid it.

05/23/2025

As Memorial Day approaches, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on its deeper meaning and the traditions that help us remember those who gave their lives in service.
From the red poppy to the story behind coins left on graves, this article explores the history and symbolism behind this solemn holiday.
Learn more:

Discover the history and meaning of Memorial Day, the role of red poppies, and respectful ways to honor fallen U.S. service members each May.

05/21/2025

The days are longer, and the sunshine is stronger, but grief can often feel more intense in spring and summer. It’s not just cold dark winter months that impact our emotions — many people feel loss more keenly this time of year. Learn why and how you can ease your grief as summer approaches.

For those who’ve lost a loved one, spring and summer can bring back memories and intensify grief. Explore why grief often heightens during these seasons and find guidance on coping.

05/11/2025

On Mother's Day, we honor the women who shaped us with their love and wisdom. If you are grieving the loss of a special woman in your life, we’ve compiled some gentle and helpful ways to remember her. Click the article link below for heartfelt ways to celebrate mom.

Explore heartfelt ways to honor and remember your mother or mother figure. From sharing stories to creating tangible tributes, discover meaningful methods to keep their legacy alive. Learn how to navigate grief and celebrate the enduring impact of the extraordinary women in your life.

12/31/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the past year. We hope your grief journey eased and wish you a new year filled with peace of mind.

12/25/2024

As the Festival of Lights begins, we extend warm wishes to everyone celebrating Hanukkah. May each candle illuminate your path with hope, joy, and love.