9/18/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - At the Wednesday, September 17, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized three employees for outstanding years of service and dedication to Nassau County.
First to be recognized was Engineer Jamie Deonas who is celebrating 30 years of service this month. He currently works out of Station 20 on Amelia Island and drives the fire engine on the C-shift. Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "When I first started here, he was one of the first people to reach out to me and I appreciated that. Thank you for 30 years of service." Engineer Deonas then shared a story about the beginning of his career with Nassau County stating, "It's been a fun adventure, starting from the beginning to now, and I thank you very much for this recognition."
Next, the BOCC recognized was Battalion Chief Jeff Dodd who is celebrating 25 years of service. Currently, Battalion Chief Dodd works on the B-shift out of Station 60 in Bryceville. He is a member of NCFR's Quality Assurance Committee and serves as the Honor Guard Commander. Battalion Chief Dodd is also the Chairman of NCFR's annual awards ceremony. Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "Jeff, thank you for 25 years of service to Nassau County and thank you for all you do for public safety." Battalion Chief Dodd addressed the BOCC stating, "I'm here by the grace of God. Thank you very much for the ability to do this job. Not many people can say they love to do their job but I can still say that, so thank you."
Lt. Rob Widdows is also celebrating 25 years of service but unfortunately was unable to attend the meeting. Lt. Widdows serves on Engine 20 on the C-shift and has been a dedicated member of NCFR throughout his career. Chief Rigdon recognized Lt. Widdows’ contributions, noting his commitment to the department and the community over the years.
The BOCC is proud to honor Engineer Jamie Deonas, Battalion Chief Jeff Dodd, and Lieutenant Rob Widdows for their years of dedicated service. Their professionalism, commitment, and sacrifice embody the highest standards of public service, and their contributions have made a lasting impact on Nassau County Fire Rescue and the community as a whole. The BOCC extends its deepest gratitude and congratulations to each of them on these remarkable career milestones.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer
First to be recognized was Engineer Jamie Deonas who is celebrating 30 years of service this month. He currently works out of Station 20 on Amelia Island and drives the fire engine on the C-shift. Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "When I first started here, he was one of the first people to reach out to me and I appreciated that. Thank you for 30 years of service." Engineer Deonas then shared a story about the beginning of his career with Nassau County stating, "It's been a fun adventure, starting from the beginning to now, and I thank you very much for this recognition."
Next, the BOCC recognized was Battalion Chief Jeff Dodd who is celebrating 25 years of service. Currently, Battalion Chief Dodd works on the B-shift out of Station 60 in Bryceville. He is a member of NCFR's Quality Assurance Committee and serves as the Honor Guard Commander. Battalion Chief Dodd is also the Chairman of NCFR's annual awards ceremony. Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "Jeff, thank you for 25 years of service to Nassau County and thank you for all you do for public safety." Battalion Chief Dodd addressed the BOCC stating, "I'm here by the grace of God. Thank you very much for the ability to do this job. Not many people can say they love to do their job but I can still say that, so thank you."
Lt. Rob Widdows is also celebrating 25 years of service but unfortunately was unable to attend the meeting. Lt. Widdows serves on Engine 20 on the C-shift and has been a dedicated member of NCFR throughout his career. Chief Rigdon recognized Lt. Widdows’ contributions, noting his commitment to the department and the community over the years.
The BOCC is proud to honor Engineer Jamie Deonas, Battalion Chief Jeff Dodd, and Lieutenant Rob Widdows for their years of dedicated service. Their professionalism, commitment, and sacrifice embody the highest standards of public service, and their contributions have made a lasting impact on Nassau County Fire Rescue and the community as a whole. The BOCC extends its deepest gratitude and congratulations to each of them on these remarkable career milestones.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer
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