James Nathan “Nate” Leonard was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Jim and Marilyn Leonard on September 2, 1978. Nate pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter/paramedic after graduating from the Coral Springs Regional Institute for Public Safety, Class 04-03, and completing his EMT certification from the Florida Medical Training Institute.

Nate became a member of the Coral Springs Fire Department family on April 9, 2007. Throughout his career, Nate earned numerous accolades including a Unit Citation, three Lifesaving Commendations, and a Meritorious Duty Commendation. Nate served many years on Coral Springs Fire Department Dive Rescue Team and was always coming up with improvements to make the team safer and more effective.

Nate was an outdoorsman. His passions included skateboarding, deer hunting, and fishing.

For almost 15 years, Nate served with professionalism, respect, and honor. Unfortunately, on May 12, 2020, Nate was diagnosed with cancer, and he fought a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Nate was a true public servant. He was brave in his duties as a firefighter and paramedic but equally brave as he faced and fought cancer. Nate paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, losing a courageous battle to cancer on January 12, 2022.

Nate was a loving husband, outstanding firefighter, rescue diver, and true friend to so many. Nate is survived by his wife, Nina Leonard; his parents, Jim and Marilyn; and his sister, Valerie.

Nate’s life was eternally in service to others, and for that we will forever honor him and forever be in his debt. We plan to remember Nate for the hero that he was, for the choices he made to serve others. and for the sacrifices made for the profession he loved. We honor a life well lived and a battle hard fought.