Dara Hennessey, a Mount Dora firefighter since 2003, was recently deployed to the Panhandle as part of the Central Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4 team after Hurricane Michael.
On Tuesday, Mayor Nick Girone presented a certificate of appreciation to Hennessey during a City Council meeting, recognizing her bravery and heroics in a time of need.
Hennessey spent a week in the Panhandle, including time in hard-hit Mexico Beach, rescuing and helping victims in Michael’s aftermath.
People at the meeting were shown a video of the team’s efforts and of some of the devastation in the Panhandle.
Girone, City Manager Robin Hayes, Fire Chief Tim Griner, some of Hennessey’s peers and residents were on hand to thank Hennessey and applaud her achievement.
Hennessey also had some thanks of her own to give.