GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Board of County Commissioners honored three members of Clay County Fire Rescue in a short, sincere ceremony at Tuesday night’s board meeting.

Surrounded by county commissioners, Chief Lorin Mock dubbed the evening a bittersweet occasion where the Clay County Fire Rescue bid farewell to three members each with more than 20 years of experience in the region.

Mock began with Engineer Ricky Emery, who joined the agency in 2014 after working for 25 years with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Mock said when people leave Jacksonville agencies they still have the desire to serve. Emery later said serving was a pleasure.

“Ricky came down and served eight years with us,” Mock said. “He’s going to retire for the second time.”

Mock then turned to Capt. Todd Arzie and Lt. David Seymour. Both had stints with the Keystone Volunteer Fire Department before joining Clay County Fire Rescue.

Arzie joined Clay County Fire Rescue in 1993. Mock listed Arzie’s numerous titles, roles and committees, and said the captain was instrumental in opening Fire Station 11 in Keystone Heights.

With his focus on safety, Arzie’s departure created a difficult hole to fill, Mock said.

“A lot of that was about limiting the carcinogens that are inherent in providing fire services and ensuring the health and safety of our members,” Mock said.

Mock gestured to the back of the meeting room and said Arzie’s son was a member of the department.

“The tradition is going to continue,” Mock said.

Arzie took the microphone and jokingly told Mock he had three more shifts. Arzie said he enjoyed working for the residents of Clay County.

“I started out in Alachua County, but I got the opportunity to come here,” Arzie said. “I wanted to come home to work.”

The third honoree was Seymour, who had 31 years of service. Mock joked recognition for Seymour may take a while.

Seymour is an excellent mechanic, Mock said, and a member of rescue teams and HAZMAT. Seymour was Firefighter of the Year in 2010 and a member of the committee that hired Mock.

“So anybody not happy that I’m standing here, he’s partially responsible,” Mock said to laughs from the audience.

Seymour also worked in the community with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mock said Seymour worked hard for the association and would be missed throughout Clay County.

“...There are a lot of children and families in Northeast Florida that owe a debt of gratitude that probably can’t be repaid to David,” Mock said.

Seymour said the county has been his home since Day 1.

“I loved it and I’m still going to be helping with (Muscular Dystrophy Association) and stuff like that. I can’t let them down,” he said.