DAYTONA BEACH Inside
PARKS & RECREATION EMPLOYEE RECEIVES AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART SAVER HERO AWARD Don Williams, a 23-year employee of the Parks & Recreation Department, has been recognized with the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Hero Award for using his CPR training to help save someone’s life. Through the city’s safety program, Don completes CPR certification training every two years to keep his lifesaving skills current. That training proved invaluable during a recent softball tournament in Sebastian, Florida. During the tournament, Rodney Burnett, a member of the opposing team and an acquaintance of Don’s, began telling others that he was not feeling well. Don, who was nearby, advised him to sit down and rest. A few minutes later, as Don was walking away, he heard Rodney’s wife call out for help.
Don immediately rushed back and found Rodney seated on the ground. Moments later, Rodney’s eyes rolled back, and he lost consciousness. Don quickly checked for a pulse but found none. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, he immediately began performing CPR. Thanks to his quick response, calm demeanor and CPR training, Don was able to revive Rodney before emergency responders arrived. Don’s actions demonstrate the importance of CPR training and preparedness, as well as the value of the city’s commitment to employee safety education. Congratulations to Don on this well-deserved recognition and for making a lifesaving difference when every second counted!
EARLY MORNINGS. LONG DAYS. BIG GOALS. Daytona Beach Police Explorers Lieutenant Jon’Nessa Smith and Sergeant Alex Orrender graduated last week from the Central Florida Law Enforcement Explorer Academy (CFLEEA), Class #23, after successfully completing the academy’s intensive two-week summer training program.
Designed for young people ages 14 to 20 who are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, the academy provides a challenging, boot camp-style experience that combines physical fitness, leadership development, tactical training, criminal law education and scenario-based exercises. Daytona Beach’s cadets began their days at 4 a.m. to travel to Seminole State College. Throughout the program, cadets progressed through multiple phases of training, building skills in law enforcement fundamentals, advanced tactical operations, report writing, crisis negotiations and leadership. The academy is supported by numerous law enforcement agencies across Central Florida and serves as a valuable opportunity for future public safety professionals. Congratulations, Alex and Jon’Nessa and the entire Class of 2026. Your journeys are just beginning.
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