By Sharon Aron Baron
A service was held Friday morning at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Coral Springs for James “Nate” Leonard, who died after fighting a two-year battle with cancer.
The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department firefighter was only 43.
Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Leonard 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. Leonard became a member of the CSPFD family on April 9, 2007.
“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,” said Fire Chief Michael McNally. While we are heartbroken by his death, our focus is on Nate’s family and providing them with the support and comfort they need as we prepare to lay, Nate, a true hero, to rest.”
Leonard earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Unit Citation, three Lifesaving Commendations, and a Meritorious Duty Commendation. Before his death, he served at Station 95.
He was laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery and.is survived by his wife, Nina, his parents, Jim and Marilyn Leonard, and sister, Valerie Leonard.
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