William “Will” Egan named as the Florida Forest Service’s 2024 Firefighter of the Year
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced William “Will” Egan as the Florida Forest Service’s 2024 Firefighter of the Year. Forest Ranger Egan is based out of the Lakeland District’s Dundee Forestry Station.
“I’m incredibly proud to honor Forest Ranger Will Egan as our 2024 Firefighter of the Year,” said Commissioner Simpson. “His courage, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to his fellow firefighters and the people of Florida embody the best of the Florida Forest Service.”
Egan’s actions during the Dranefield Fire in June in Polk County, when he came to the aid of another firefighter in need, exemplify what it means to be a firefighter.
“Wildfire suppression is one of the most dangerous duties the Florida Forest Service assumes, and a split second is all it takes for a situation to change and tragedy to strike,” Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan said. “Will’s quick thinking and cool-headed approach during an active wildfire helped all involved escape a dangerous situation.”
On June 5, 2024, Egan and another Forest Ranger operated their tractor-plow units and engaged in the initial attack on the Dranefield Fire. While Egan was working on a fireline, the other ranger reported that his tractor was on fire, and he had to abandon it.
Egan quickly responded and began assisting his partner in extinguishing the tractor fire, then re-entered his tractor and plowed a line around the other tractor to protect it. Once finished installing the new fireline, Egan exited his tractor and used a fire extinguisher to put out a spot fire that landed between the blade and the cab of the other tractor.
Realizing he and the other ranger needed to leave the area, Egan had the other ranger get into his tractor, and they traveled to their safety zone. Both were transported to a local hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
“Will acted with bravery and composure,” said Pete Lewis, Will’s supervisor, and the Forest Area Supervisor for eastern Polk County. “Despite knowing he would be putting himself in danger, he responded without hesitation and followed his training to help his fellow firefighter.”
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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