Recognizing the career of a community leader

In recognition of his dedication and leadership in Emergency Medical Services in Florida over his thirty-year career, the Florida Association of County Emergency Medical Services announced to Historic City News that they have presented the Mark Fingeret Award for Administrative Leadership Excellence to St. Johns County Fire Rescue Retired Chief, Robert Hall, Jr.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, Lt. Jeremy Robshaw, told local reporters that the Mark Fingeret Award recognizes an EMS administrator who has demonstrated the leadership necessary to promote and enhance pre-hospital medical care. Robshaw said that the award is recognized as the highest accolade a member can receive,

Awarded on an annual basis, the association regards this award as a lifetime achievement, measuring EMS related work over time and 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 September 20, 1993.

“During his career, Chief Hall has always been at the forefront of public safety leadership, Robshaw said. “He began his career as one of the first paramedics in the State; rising through the ranks before being named Chief in 2001.”

As Chief, Hall supervised one of the fastest growing departments in the State, and through his leadership and vision, the Department expanded from a small volunteer department into the full service career department that exists today.

Through forging partnerships with Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Mayo Clinic and the Baptist Health Care System, he has remained at the forefront of delivering and promoting advanced EMS services to the community.

The Association wrote, “Hall’s entire career has been “patient centric” with his primary objective always being to put the patient first and provide the best care possible for the members of this community and region. His commitment and service to the community and the citizens has truly been unmatched.”