Retired Orlando firefighter celebrated after decades of service
Retired Orlando firefighter, 96, honored at emotional sendoff
The Orlando Fire Department and the Friends of the Fire Museum are celebrating retired Lt. Jim Turrisi, 96, the department's oldest living retiree.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Jim Turrisi first joined the Orlando Fire Department in 1954, after serving in the military.
He spent nearly 23 years proudly serving the city before retiring in 1977.
Throughout his career, Turrisi worked across multiple fire stations, starting at Firehouse No. 1, moving to Firehouse No. 2, serving as a lieutenant at Firehouse No. 3, and spending his final 13 years at Firehouse No. 5.
Preserving Orlando fire history
What they're saying:
Following his retirement, the proud Vietnam veteran volunteered his time at the Randall R. Tuten Orlando Fire Museum, giving tours to educate the public about the department's rich history. He originally served out of Firehouse 3 before it was converted into the museum.
His time in the department was also defined by a lifelong friendship with retired Assistant Chief Jim Spence, with whom he served in both the military and the fire department.
"I feel honored," Turrisi said.
He reflected on the bond shared among firefighters: "I guess the best memories are the men that I got to know. And I mean when you live 24 hours with somebody or a group of people, you get to know them like family, and we treated each other like family."
What's next:
Following Monday's farewell party at the museum, Turrisi is moving to Tennessee.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from official statements provided by the Orlando Fire Department and an interview conducted by FOX 35 reporter Alexus Cleavenger with retired Lt. Jim Turrisi.