The Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service was held in Ocala on October 09, 2009, with the name of Lt. Raphael Vazquez being one of three added this year to the large blocks of black granite.

The permanent Fallen Firefighter Memorial is located in the courtyard of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, and holds the names of Florida firefighters who have died in the line of duty. It is much like the IAFF memorial in Colorado Springs, and the National Firefighter Memorial in Emmittsburg Maryland, on the campus of the National Fire Academy. It is smaller in scale, but no less meaningful, nor does it have less of an impact on the families and firefighters who attend to honor the Fallen.

Members of the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps, as well as Chief Jerauld, Chief O'Bannon, Chaplain Jeremy Hurd, and Jack Norris, were there to represent PBCFR and to accompany and provide support to Ray's wife, Michelle, and their youngest son.

After the formal service at which Michelle was presented a flag and medallion in Ray's honor, we had a private meeting so that we could present to Michelle, the flag and other memorial items the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps accepted on her behalf at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Emmittsburg in September.

Honor Guard Members Present:
Sean Pamplona, Commander
Steen Eriksson, Lt. Commander
Rick Gass
Pipe and Drum Corps Members Present:
John Fischer
Khristy Osment