Retired Orange County Firefighter Walking from Key West to Tallahassee
**Arrival was previously anticipated for Monday, but pushed to Tuesday given storms in Sunday’s forecast.
Who: Retired Orange County Firefighter Tom “Bull” Hill along with Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) and Central Florida firefighters.
What: #MarchoftheBull is an effort led by retired OCFR Tom “Bull” Hill. His mission is to foster awareness and advocacy for stronger firefighter benefits after the loss of two OCFR firefighters who died because of cancer and left their families with heavy financial losses. Bull is anticipated to arrive at the Brevard and Orange County line on Tuesday morning with an escort from Brevard County Fire Rescue.
Bull’s 650-mile journey continues to generate interest in social and news media, as firefighters from each jurisdiction join him for a portion of his extensive expedition. He walks an average of 10 to 12 miles daily, stopping at fire stations along the way.
Bull’s journey through his home jurisdiction of Orange County is anticipated to last four days, with fire personnel from various municipalities joining him to help provide safe passage and support. Bull’s goal is to obtain 50,000 signatures on a petition to the Florida legislature throughout his walk.
While Bull’s mission began in honor of his two OCFR friends, he now walks carrying the helmet shields of 83 fire fighters also believed to have died as a result of a presumptive cancer diagnosis. Bull will be met at the Orange County line by an escort with Brevard County Fire Rescue, OCFR Chief Otto Drozd and Orange County Fire Rescue personnel.
For additional information on his journey visit: https://responders4life.com/campaigns/march-of-the-bull/.
When: Tuesday, April 16 at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Where: Entry to Orange County line will be at SR 520 and the St John’s River.
Media Interviews: YOU MUST coordinate an interview ahead of time with the OCFR PIO by Sunday evening. The interview may be while Bull is walking or during a break in between Brevard and Orange counties. Please plan to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m., and remember the 9:30 a.m. is an approximate time.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.