A 96-year-old retired Orlando firefighter has been honoured at a farewell gathering marking a lifetime of service to the city’s fire department.
Lieutenant Jim Turrisi, the Orlando Fire Department’s oldest living retiree, was celebrated by colleagues and the Friends of the Fire Museum at the Randall R. Tuten Orlando Fire Museum on Monday.
Turrisi joined the department in 1954 after serving in the military and spent almost 23 years protecting Orlando before retiring in 1977.
During his career, he worked at Firehouses 1 and 2, became a lieutenant at Firehouse 3 and completed his final 13 years at Firehouse 5.
Retired Orlando firefighter remembered at museum farewell
After leaving the department, Turrisi continued supporting its history by volunteering at the museum, where he led tours and shared his knowledge with visitors.
The museum is housed in the former Firehouse 3, where Turrisi once served. His work there allowed him to help preserve the story of the Orlando Fire Department for future generations.
His career also forged a lasting friendship with retired Assistant Chief Jim Spence. The pair served together in both the military and the fire department.
“I feel honoured,” Turrisi said during the gathering.
Reflecting on his years in the service, he said the strongest memories were of the firefighters he worked alongside.
“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,” he said.
Following the farewell event, Turrisi is due to move to Tennessee.
