Chris Calio, a paramedic with Flagler County Fire Rescue, retired on Wednesday after over two decades of service. As fate had it he spent his final shift with a brand new employee, his own son Nick.
“I have been with the department for more than 20 years,” Calio said. “I am excited for Nick joining the department, and I was surprised to see him here on the same shift. Usually, family members don’t work the same shift, same station. I also wanted the chance to work my last shift with Jake and Noah.”
Prior to entering his career in fire, Calio worked as a bakery owner in the Orlando area. Though many might expect business ownership to be a natural way to pass a career down through the generations, the Calios have managed to have that continuity in their careers as first responders.
The younger of the two Calios said becoming a firefighter is a goal he’s had his eye on for a long time. The proverbial changing of the guard from father to son is serendipitous. “I’m like 25% nervous, and 75% excited,” Nick Calio said. “This is something I’ve always wanted.” Nick’s own uncle is a firefighter in New York, further establishing the Calios’ family ties to their profession.
Though Nick Calio began his career with Flagler County Fire Rescue over two weeks ago, his first day on the job was Monday. On Chris Calio’s final day with FCFR, he worked at Fire Station 16 with his son. His two best friends, Noah Hunt and Jake Gonzalez, were also present according to a release from the Flagler County government.
“I’ve seen the growth in this agency,” Chris Calio said. “There are a lot of great people here.”
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
