“Victor was kind of just a giant of a man. He had a large personality; he was unwavering,” said Fire Chief Scott Titus. “He worked very hard, brought on a lot of new guys, and he will be dearly missed.”

The ride started at City Center Front Green and wrapped up at Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson in Port Charlotte. Riders came from all over the Suncoast, a sign of how far Victor’s influence reached, both at the station and beyond.

Money raised from the event will go directly to Victor’s family. Some of it will also help fund a scholarship for future firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, a fitting tribute to a man who loved mentoring the next generation.

“It’s really amazing how many people have come out to support and help,” said Chief Titus. “The loss to our department was profound, and this is a great way to honor him.”

The organizers urged even people who don’t ride bikes to come out and be part of the final stop, just to show they cared.

Victor died on December 11, 2025, after what coworkers called a long, courageous fight. Nearly twenty years on the job, his dedication, compassion, and influence shaped the careers and lives of people all around him.

Looking at the crowd on Saturday, it’s obvious that Victor’s memory is still very much alive in the community he served.

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The city decided not to pour money into fixing an aging building, choosing a full-scale $17.5 million reconstruction on the City Hall campus instead. The plan is to finish by December 2026. 

This isn’t just about replacing a building. The new station will tackle serious space shortages, boost emergency response, and meet modern storm-hardening standards. So, when the next hurricane rolls in, firefighters will still be ready to act.

The old station couldn’t keep up with code requirements or the demands of a growing community. It simply wasn’t up to the task. By going for a complete rebuild, North Port ensures a facility that’s tougher, safer, and ready to stick around for the long haul. 

The new station will house updated technology, better workspaces for emergency staff, and improved amenities for the expanding team. A city official summed it up well: This project is a direct investment in public safety. It means more efficient operations and better service for North Port residents.

Money for this rebuild comes largely from county surtax and fire district fees, underscoring a regional push to upgrade essential services. While construction is underway, fire rescue teams moved into temporary quarters. Once it opens, the new Fire Station 81 will serve as a lasting cornerstone for North Port, lifting emergency services to a new standard.

As the city’s population keeps climbing, this project is more than just a new building; it’s proof that North Port is serious about keeping up with residents’ needs. The city is making sure its first responders have a secure, modern, and efficient space to do their jobs. This grounded investment reflects what the community expects: strong, reliable public safety when it matters most.

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The free event is designed to give residents an inside look at fire rescue operations while offering activities for all ages.  There will be free hot dogs, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses and safety education.

Visitors will have opportunities to tour the training tower and see specialized equipment, including a helicopter. Planned demonstrations include live rappelling, vehicle extrication and a side-by-side live burn exercise.

“North Port Fire Rescue is proud to serve this community, and our open house is a chance for families to see firsthand how we train, prepare and respond to emergencies,” Fire Chief Scott Titus said. “We invite everyone to stop by, bring the kids, ask questions and enjoy a fun and informative day with our team.”

The open house is open to the public, and no registration is required. Updates will be shared on North Port Fire Rescue social media channels ahead of the event.

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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.

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