North Port Fire Rescue announced Thursday the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Victor Cleveland, who died December 11 after what officials described as a long and courageous battle with cancer. He had been serving with the department for 17 years.
Cleveland began his career as a volunteer with the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department and later served nearly four years with the Florida Forest Service before joining North Port Fire Rescue. Officials said he was widely respected for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to protecting the public.
“His contributions on and off the emergency scene reflect a legacy of honor and perseverance,” the department said in a statement. “Through the exercise of his duties, he ultimately made the supreme sacrifice as a result of occupational exposures inherent to the firefighting profession.”
Cleveland is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Delaney and Alton; and his granddaughter, Felicity. The department said his family “will always remain a part of our fire family” and that it will continue to support them as arrangements move forward.
Details about memorial services will be released once plans are finalized, officials said.
