FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A longtime Flagler County firefighter ended his career this week in a moment that also marked the beginning of his son’s.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter Paramedic Chris Calio retired April 1 after more than 20 years with the department, spending his final day on shift alongside his son, Nick Calio, who recently joined the agency and is set to begin his first official shift Monday.
The two were assigned together at Station 16 near the Volusia County line, a rare overlap for family members in the department.
“I have been with the department for more than 20 years,” Chris 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.”
Chris Calio also spent his final shift working alongside close friends Noah Hunt and Jake Gonzalez.
Before becoming a firefighter, Calio worked in hospitality and owned a bakery in the Orlando area, making firefighting his second career.
“I’ve seen the growth in this agency,” he said. “There are a lot of great people here.”
Nick Calio said firefighting has long been the career he wanted to pursue. He added that public service runs in the family, with an uncle serving as a firefighter in New York City.
“I’m like 25% nervous, and 75% excited,” Nick Calio said. “This is something I’ve always wanted.”
Flagler County officials said Nick Calio started with the department two weeks ago, but his first full shift begins Monday.
The moment gave the family a rare opportunity to mark one career ending as another begins under the same roof.
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