ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Thirty-three years after two Orange County firefighters died while responding to a building fire, Orange County Fire Rescue Department continues to honor their contributions to the fire service.
Engineer Todd Aldridge and Firefighter Mark Benge paid the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a building fire near Lake Buena Vista on February 24, 1989.
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Between Feb. 7 and March 31, Orange County firefighters will participate in exercises called the “Honor Challenge,” which simulates the physically challenging situations Aldridge and Benge faced when they responded to their last alarm.
On Thursday at various Orange County stations, crews took part in the 36-minute challenge, including Station 36, where Engineer Aldridge and Firefighter Benge were assigned.
READ: Meet Orange County Fire Rescue’s newest graduating class of firefighters
“February 24 has become a day of remembrance at Orange County Fire Rescue,” Fire Chief James Fitzgerald said in a statement. “We reflect not only on the lives of Mark and Todd, but all firefighters who have given their lives for the communities they served.”
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