Austin was instantly liked by anyone who met him. People were drawn to his gentle demeanor, fun personality, and easygoing manner. In Austin’s school career he played AAU baseball and football and received an award for Most Improved Player for both sports. Growing up, Austin and his sister, Sierra, shared a special bond and were not only siblings but best friends. His love for Mustangs was eventually surpassed by his love for trucks and his Ford F-150. As an adult he enjoyed playing Xbox, spending time with friends and family, kayaking at the springs, and going to theme parks. Austin valued family and was always close to home to drop in for dinner, to visit after shift, or to help his mom. He loved all of the holiday traditions and playing games around the dining room table.
Austin found his calling at an early age, joining the Explorers in high school. After high school, he completed both Standards and EMT and joined the Apopka Fire Department at the height of COVID in July 2020. He continued his service and education, taking 700+ hours of training over the next year and a half. He was so excited when he passed the class to be a relief driver for the engine. He regarded the people he worked with not as coworkers but as brothers and sisters, and the AFD soon became his second family. Austin was tragically injured while on duty on June 30, 2022, and succumbed to his injuries two weeks later on July 15, 2022, at the age of 25.
His passing brought to light several issues within the department. Found posthumously, Austin wrote a letter where, in his words, he envisioned a fire department culture dedicated to enhanced training and mentorship. His aspiration was to nurture an environment where seeking help is embraced, fostering a collective drive toward comprehensive improvement. This generated many changes in the Apopka Fire Department and is the basis of The 2650 Foundation. Named after his ID number at the AFD, the foundation was created to extend and offer training, education, and mentorship to other firefighters.
Austin has left an undeniable impact that will live on in all our hearts and souls. Austin’s parents, Mike and Gail, and his sister, Sierra, are here today. Rest easy, Austin. We will take it from here.
Miss my little buddy and his contagious smile. It was fun to watch the senior guys try to mess with Austin, and it was more fun to watch him not care and laugh it off. He definitely was made for the job and would’ve been a great officer one day. Definitely should not have been taken from the world this early in his young life. A great impact when he was here and threw his family is making an even bigger impact. Take care bucket.
– Todd Bengtson, District Chief (Ret)Austin- your family is so proud of you. For the short 25 years when you enter this world and our lives, we have been amazed of you dedication and commitment of everything you set out to do. As your dad, my job was to teach you and raise you to be the man that you were. In turn, you taught me to be the man I am. We miss you each and every single day and as we continue to honor you and keep your legacy alive, we hope to save lives through more complete training and mentorship in your name. We hope to make you as proud as we are of you. I love you and miss you kid, every single day.
Pops
– Michael DuranThere’s no words for the tragic loss of this young man. We put faith in what he would want us to do to make sure nothing like this happens again. We will continue to push for change and safety improvements for the rest left behind. I’m pretty sure he will always be watching over his fellow firefighters, and reminding them to think and never be afraid to ask questions if they believe something is wrong. We love you Brother.
– Jeff TyreI see my son in you Austin! As a retired Kissimmee Fire Department Health and Safety Chief, whose son is now a firefighter there and about your age it breaks my heart you were taken so young!! You had such a promising career when you paid the ultimate sacrifice! May we always remember your sacrifice and the lessons learned! Rest easy Austin! Love and prayers for your family and fellow Apopka Fire Fighters.
– Karen HunterThis young firefighter deserves this acknowledgment for his devotion to the Apopka community. He left us too soon but has become a role model for those that follow. May he rest in peace and God be with his family and brothers and sisters in the fire service.
– Glenn LedfordI often think of beloved Austin Duran, his Mom, Gail & his dad, Mike & his sister, Sierra & the Apopka firefighters who were with Austin. I do remember his smile & the day he was sworn in. The written words he left behind where he shared his sentiments of a job he loved with its imperfections instead of giving up & walking away or feeling discouraged. Instead he wrote passages to encourage & inspire to keep him moving forward. We will never know if his intentions were to share his diary. I’m thankful he did write them. His devoted dad did have access to Austin m’s diary and shared his writings to help affect change & pull a curtain back to a culture that needed change & accountability. It continues to be his dad’s strength & purpose. Firefighter Austin Duran, you are forgotten. Your absence is felt. Your spirit continues to inspire; to change a culture in the present; to remind All who chose the profession of FireFighter; it’s not just a job; it takes a special person to serve unconditionally to be a First Responder. May God Bless your spirit.
– DianeMiss and think about you every day Austin!! We share our memories about you every shift which ALWAYS puts a smile on our faces!
One sweet day we will see you again!!
Love You Brother!!
– Matt Yoham