By Menico Reid, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
In Summary:
Steve Samuels donated a star-covered quilt his mother, Phylis, made to Seminole County Fire Station 13 in Apopka after firefighters responded to her medical emergency on August 21. Phylis died September 2, and three Station 13 firefighters attended her October 4 memorial service at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, where her son presented the gift. Originally created to honor his law enforcement service, the quilt became a tribute to his mother’s legacy and the firefighters who cared for her.
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The stars on Phylis Samuels’ quilt once honored her son’s service. Now, they carry his thanks to the firefighters who answered when his mother needed help.
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Samuels made her son a star-covered quilt to honor his law enforcement service. After her death, her son Steve Samuels gave it to Seminole County Fire Station 13 in Apopka to thank the firefighters who had cared for his mother and served the surrounding community. Samuels presented the quilt during his mother’s Oct. 4 memorial service at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church. The gift connected her work as a quilter with his appreciation for the first responders who answered her call for help.
On Aug. 21, complications from recurring cancer prompted a 9-1-1 call for Phylis. Her son credited Station 13 with a quick response.
“It was as if they fell from the sky,” he said. “I had to hustle to keep up.”
The firefighters took her vitals and transported her to the hospital. Samuels also thanked the doctors and nurses who cared for her.
“It was as if she was their own mother.”
Phylis died September 2. Her son remembered the many roles she filled and the people whose lives she touched. “It was a loss, but it was a gain, because she enriched my life. But not just my life, but the lives of others. She was a mother, she was a quilter, she was a community member,” said Samuels.
Samuels’ relationship with Station 13 began years before his mother’s emergency. In 2011, he served as a deacon at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church and hosted an international food event for the community. At his request, firefighters from Station 13 brought a fire engine to the church, directly across the street from the station, for children and their families to enjoy.
According to Samuels, Station 13 has remained active in the neighborhood, responding to emergencies involving many of his neighbors and getting to know some by name. Drawing on his law enforcement experience, he said he understood the challenges first responders face and appreciated the care the firefighters provided.
Two weeks after his mother’s death, Samuels brought muffins to the fire station to thank the crew for responding to her emergency. During that visit, he met Lt. Steven Laib, who was on duty.
“It’s not often that we get people coming back to thank us,” said Laib.
The quilt presentation followed at Phylis’ memorial service, which three Station 13 firefighters attended, including Lt. Kyle Hair. After a drum corps performance and the pastor's remarks, Samuels presented the quilt his mother made for him.
Its stars represented his service in law enforcement. By giving it to Station 13, Samuels wanted to recognize the firefighters’ service to his family and neighbors. He said their commitment extended to both the physical and emotional needs of people in crisis.
“We are blessed to have Station 13 as part of our community,” Samuels said.
Hair said the gift honored Phylis’ memory and reflected the relationships firefighters develop with the people they serve.
“Our Fire Station 13 crew was honored to attend the memorial service for Phylis Samuels," he said. "The quilt donated by the Samuels family is a meaningful tribute to Mrs. Samuels, who was not only a valued member of our community but also a dedicated member of the Quilting Ministry at Forest Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church. At Fire Station 13, we have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the people we serve. We are grateful to Steve Samuels for this thoughtful gift honoring his mother, and it will serve as a lasting reminder of her legacy and the connection between our firefighters and the community.”
Key Points:
- Phylis Samuels made the star-covered quilt to honor her son Steve’s service in law enforcement.
- Station 13 firefighters responded August 21 when complications from her recurring cancer prompted a 911 call.
- After his mother’s September 2 death, Steve brought muffins to the station to thank the crew.
- He presented the quilt during her October 4 memorial service, attended by three Station 13 firefighters.
- Lt. Kyle Hair described the gift as a lasting reminder of Phylis’ legacy and the connection between firefighters and their community.
