Escambia County on Monday honored the late Gary Diamond, who was recently posthumously recognized as the 2021 Career Firefighter of the Year.
Diamond was murdered on Dec. 26, 2020.
The family of firefighter Gary Diamond called him a hero for protecting them until his final breath.
Diamond began his Escambia County Fire Rescue career in 1982 as a volunteer firefighter at the Ensley Volunteer Fire Department. He later transferred to the Molino Volunteer Fire Department. In 2006, Diamond joined Navarre Beach Fire Rescue as a career firefighter and EMT. He retired from Navarre Beach Fire Rescue as a captain.
After retiring from Navarre Beach Fire Rescue, Diamond volunteered with Escambia County Fire Rescue as a fleet transport driver.
“Gary was a dedicated servant to the citizens of Escambia County," said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore.