In this recurring special feature, Nonahood News recognizes and honors those everyday heroes who have served or are currently serving our country and making a difference in our community. Those who reside in the Lake Nona and surrounding area are our Nona Heroes.
This month’s hero has been battling fires for 19 years. Meet Daniel Hart. 
I joined the reserves as a volunteer in 1996. I joined the Central Florida Fire Academy at 19 years old after getting my EMT certification at Valencia Community College. I was hired full-time as a firefighter/EMT at the age of 21.”
Hart has lived in the Nonahood area since he was old enough to walk. “My parents built their house on Lake Mary Jane in the Isle of Pines in 1978. Back then, Lake Mary Jane Road was dirt. The first traffic signal was at Hoffner/Semoran; going north and going south there was not one unless you went to Saint Cloud. You could drive from here clear to Melbourne without a traffic light. We did have not cable TV, we did not get pizza delivery, we could not even have ice cream because it would melt before mom got home with it. Our closest grocery (besides our little country store in the Isle of Pines) was the Winn Dixie at Curry Ford/Goldenrod.”
Having lived here his whole life, the firefighter attended Michael McCoy Elementary, Conway Middle and graduated from Oak Ridge High in 1996. Hart met his wife while they were in high school, as she was also a Conway native and graduated from Boone High in 1996. The couple married in 2001 and lived in Conway for a few years while they had children and began their lives together. “In 2009, her being a school teacher for Orange County and myself a fireman, we felt there was no better area to raise two boys than right back here in the Isle of Pines and in the Lake Nona area. My wife currently teaches at Moss Park Elementary.”
Hart’s father served as his biggest inspiration for becoming a firefighter and an everyday hero.
My father, David, was a volunteer with the Conway Fire Department. Prior to 1981, unincorporated Orange County was protected by 14 fire control districts: Zellwood, Orlo Vista, Killarney, Lockhart, Pine Hills, Holden Heights, Bithlo, Christmas, Union Park, Lake Barton, Goldenrod, Taft, Pine Castle and Conway. When these control districts consolidated in 1981, Orange County Fire/Rescue was formed, and my father was hired as a career firefighter. I grew up in the firehouse, particularly the one that is still in service at three points: the Hoffner/Narcoossee/Goldenrod intersection.”
Even on his off days, this Nona Hero continues to help people. The only difference is Hart helps them on one of the most enjoyable days of their lives: buying and selling their home.
I am a licensed realtor with Heroes Real Estate Group. We are a local, veteran-owned, dedicated group of current and previous military, fire, police personnel that help people achieve their dreams of home ownership. Just like the fire service, it is very satisfying for me to help people. This area continues to amaze me with its diversity, vision and people that move here. It is only getting better, and I would not want to be anywhere else in this stage of my life.”
Since our featured firefighter is someone who always chases fires, one might begin to wonder where he can be found. “I currently work at Station 77 on Moss Park Road. I have been there for four years. Prior to that, I spent six years from 1999 to 2005 at Station 66, which is located at 436/Highway 50. While assigned to Station 66, I achieved my qualification to become a part of the Special Operations Division, qualifying me to be a part of the Truck Company. I became a High Angle Rope Rescue Technician and also a Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, which allowed me to be assigned to the ladder truck. I also obtained my paramedic license and rode as the paramedic on R-66. In 2005, I was promoted to Engineer/PM and moved to Station 80 Bonneville. While assigned to Station 80, I received certification to be able to ride up as Lieutenant. I was assigned to Station 80 from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, I got transferred back to Station 66 as the Engineer on the Truck Company. I remained Engineer on the Truck Company from 2007 to 2014. Due to some reorganizing, the ladder truck got moved to Station 81 Econ/Lake Underhill, and in 2009, the ladder truck was again moved, this time to its current location at Station 83 on Lake Underhill near Alafaya Trail.”
When asked about his greatest memories while fighting fires, Hart mentions that it’s the actions that take place after the heat subsides that impact him most. “I have a lot of great memories about the fire service. The few that are nearest are the great firefighters that have trained me, especially in the early days of my career. However, the great men and women that we have lost due to injury or illness hold the fondest of memories. I think about them often. Helping people on a daily basis created a lot of memories. The thank yous, the kids giving you a hug or a handshake in the store showing appreciation, the people that we have helped in their most desperate time of need and having them come back to the fire station and thanking you. The kids you have helped and then watching them grow and seeing them playing a sport they love, or simply seeing them around town. We have saved so many lives from all walks of the earth, it is hard to have one stand out. Unfortunately, it is the ones we couldn’t save, those are the ones that stick with you.”
Hart has maintained his status as Engineer and for good reason. “To be honest, there is no better job in the world than driving a fire truck.”
If you would like to nominate someone for our next Nona Heroes feature, please send an email to nicole@nonahoodnews.com or complete the form here: http://nonahood.to/nonaheroes.
