David A . Hepker
As a senior in high school, I started attending the Fire Academy at night and volunteered as a firefighter with the Killarney Fire Department. Upon graduation I became employed as a Firefighter with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department progressing through the ranks to become an Assistant Chief/Paramedic supervising 42 fire stations and approximately 350 personnel serving approximately 1 million citizens and visitors in Orange County, Florida. During this time, I also worked as a Reserve Police Officer in the local community.
Retiring after 30 years, I was contacted and offered a managerial position back with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department. After returning, I served various positions such as the Deputy Chief of Administration, The Fire Marshal and currently the Program Administrator of the Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) section. I have served the Department now for 46.5 years.
At 91 years old, Mr. Ehrenspeck’s moved in with our family, when his companion (Sue) of 26 years could no longer care for him due to her age. He began to tell of his life’s desire to write a book about his and others work at Cape Canaveral. He showed me pictures, writings, memorabilia and told many stories of working at Patrick Air Force Base and NASA during the missile testing and eventually manned space flight. It was a privilege to make his dream come true with the publishing of the book “NASA Range Rats”.
Retiring after 30 years, I was contacted and offered a managerial position back with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department. After returning, I served various positions such as the Deputy Chief of Administration, The Fire Marshal and currently the Program Administrator of the Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) section. I have served the Department now for 46.5 years.
At 91 years old, Mr. Ehrenspeck’s moved in with our family, when his companion (Sue) of 26 years could no longer care for him due to her age. He began to tell of his life’s desire to write a book about his and others work at Cape Canaveral. He showed me pictures, writings, memorabilia and told many stories of working at Patrick Air Force Base and NASA during the missile testing and eventually manned space flight. It was a privilege to make his dream come true with the publishing of the book “NASA Range Rats”.
