Orange County loses a leader and a gentle spirit: In remembrance of Ron Plummer

From Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

On June 14, 2018, both Orange County and the City of Apopka lost a friend and leader: Mr. Ron Plummer, beloved Manager of Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and resident of Apopka, who died surrounded by his family and close friends.

Mr. Plummer was well known and admired by his Orange County family and throughout the Central Florida Region. He dedicated 27 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army and United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his many years of service, Mr. Plummer returned to his native state of Florida, where he joined Orange County Government in 2002. Mr. Plummer graduated from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. Ron earned numerous local, State and Florida Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Emergency Management Institute (EMI) certificates, and was widely acknowledged for his expert capability as an emergency management leader. He was frequently called upon by state, federal and industry peers to share his knowledge and experience. Mr. Plummer also worked to develop civilian emergency response teams, training local county residents and volunteers in the National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS) protocols.

Ron Plummer

For over 16 years, Mr. Plummer shepherded Orange County through countless emergency events and critical incidents. He was truly the right man for the job, and never lost sight of his core mission; to care for people. From day-to-day interaction with co-workers to his deeply compassionate actions and leadership in support of storm-weary victims, special-needs shelter residents and others in need, Mr. Plummer set an example of selfless giving. Despite his senior leadership position and immense responsibilities, Mr. Plummer a gentle, humble and loving spirit. From employee training to actual emergency response, Mr. Plummer managed OEM functions and operations with a calm demeanor and good humor.

While he was known in his professional capacity as a strong leader, Mr. Plummer’s family knew him as a treasured husband, a devoted father, a proud and caring son and loving brother.

At the June 19, 2018 meeting of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, the OrangeTV Team put together a video in remembrance of Mr. Plummer and the impact he made during his time as a member of the Orange County family. The video was shared during the morning session of the meeting and can be found here: http://netapps.ocfl.net/Mod/meetings/1.

Please join the Orange County family in sending prayers and sincere condolences to Mr. Plummer’s family, in the shared hope that they may find peace and solace in his joyful remembrance.