Lieutenant Karl Froling of Flagler County Fire Rescue has been named the Search and Rescue Responder Officer of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, according to an announcement by the county government on Tuesday. The honor comes after a lengthy selection process and multiple letters of recommendation.
“Lt. Froling exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and continuous improvement,” said Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “His vision and dedication have elevated rescue capabilities not only in Flagler County but across Florida and beyond.”
Working for Animal Welfare
Two key advocates helped Froling stand out as the Florida Fire Chiefs Association’s pick. The first was from Battalion Chief Brady Barry, and the other from Brandi Phillips, the technical rescue branch director of the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (UF VETS). Barry is a current coworker of Froling’s, while Phillips has experience responding to the same calls as him.
In her recollection of her time with Froling, Phillips recalled an incident in 2012 when Froling worked with Volusia County Fire Rescue. A horse had become trapped in mud, and Froling was among those who responded to get it out. But his work toward the issue didn’t stop with one rescue.
“Rather than viewing this as an isolated challenge, Lt. Froling recognized a broader need – the lack of standardized training and equipment for animal technical rescue within the fire service,” Phillips said. “His proactive leadership led him to the University of Florida, where he established a partnership that has since transformed response capacity on the east coast of Florida and throughout the state.”
Connecting Agencies
The ability of Froling to work well with personnel from other agencies has apparently continued into his tenure with Flagler County Fire Rescue. According to Battalion Chief Brady, his ability to collaborate with neighboring agencies and other emergency response offices has proven valuable.
ⓒ Flagler County government
“Through his vision, discipline, and commitment to high-level training, [Lt. Froling] transformed Flagler County’s Technical Rescue Team into a well-equipped, highly capable team that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the premier programs in Florida,” Barry said. “He has fostered deep mutual-aid relationships with St. Johns County Fire Rescue, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, strengthening interoperability and elevating regional readiness.
“What sets Lt. Froling apart is not only his technical expertise but his character,” Barry continued. “His lifelong dedication to continued education, innovation, and mentorship has shaped an entire generation of firefighters and rescue technicians – including his own son, who now serves alongside him in this profession. Few leaders model the combination of humility, skill, and unwavering drive that Lt. Froling demonstrates daily.”
