By Anthony Colarossi
Orlando Sentinel
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Longtime Lake-Sumter EMS official Capt. David Deland suffered a heart attack and died while at work Friday, officials with the agency said in a statement.
Deland, a district chief, was on duty when he suffered the cardiac arrest. Deland worked for Lake-Sumter EMS since its start in October 2000. He started his career there as a field supervisor and rose to district chief.
Deland “was known for his quiet, calm approach to leadership, which earned him accolades from all who worked with him,” Lake-Sumter EMS executive director Jim Judge said in a statement.
Deland began working in emergency medical services in 1986 after finishing the EMT program at Lake Technical Center and becoming an Emergency Medical Technician. He first worked for Florida Regional EMS/Florida Hospital Waterman.
He returned to school and became a paramedic in 1988. He worked at Florida Regional as a paramedic, field training officer and district supervisor before joining Lake-Sumter EMS.
Deland is survived by his wife, Toni; son, David; daughter, Robin Price-Samartino and grandchildren Melanie, Madysen and Presten.
A trust account has been established at United Southern Bank. Contributions can be made at any USB branch or mailed to USB, c/o John Jones, P.O. Box 1925, Eustis, 32727. Checks should be made payable to: USB for the benefit of David Deland.
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