Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Association of Counties, Emergency Medical Services (FACEMS) presented Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief, Ed Bailey with the prestigious Mark Fingeret Award at their 2012 Conference.

Known as the highest accolade a member of the FACEMS can receive, the Award recognizes leadership in promoting pre-hospital emergency medical services related work. It is a lifetime achievement award.

This award was named in memory of New York City paramedic and Volusia County  EMS Director, Mark Fingeret, who died while scuba diving off Palm Beach on Sept. 20, 1993.

The award recognized Chief Bailey’s dedication and leadership in emergency medical services over his 37-year career. Chief Bailey was among the first group of professionals certified in 1979 as paramedics in Florida.

"All of us at Alachua County are very proud of Chief Bailey.” commented Alachua County Manager Rick Drummond.  “Alachua County is very fortunate to have the Chief looking out for the safety of our citizens.  This award is richly deserved.”

Chief Bailey began his career in 1975 with the Orange Park Fire Department where he received his firefighter, emergency medical technician, and paramedic certifications. He joined Alachua County Fire Rescue in 1980 as their first firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted to Chief in 2010.

For more information, contact Chief Bailey at 352-384-3130.