A Flagler County Fire Rescue lieutenant has been recognized as the top search-and-rescue officer in Florida for his leadership and contributions to rescue operations across the state.
Lieutenant Karl Froling received the 2025 Search and Rescue Responder Officer of the Year award from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association through the Florida Association of Search and Rescue sections. The honor recognizes his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and lasting contributions to search-and-rescue operations.
Froling received two letters of recommendation supporting his nomination. One came from Battalion Chief Brady Barry of Flagler County Fire Rescue, and the second came from Brandi Phillips, technical rescue branch director of the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Lt. Froling through the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service, where I serve as the Technical Rescue Branch Director,” Phillips said in her letter to the selection committee. “UF VETS provides specialized training for first responders, veterinary professionals, and livestock industry stakeholders in animal technical rescue – integrating Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) disciplines with animal handling and behavior to promote both responder safety and animal welfare.”
Phillips detailed Froling’s history going back to 2012 when he worked for Volusia County Fire Rescue and responded to a complex incident involving a horse trapped in mud.
“Rather than viewing this as an isolated challenge, Lt. Froling recognized a broader need – the lack of standardized training and equipment for animal technical rescue within the fire service,” Phillips said. “His proactive leadership led him to the University of Florida, where he established a partnership that has since transformed response capacity on the east coast of Florida and throughout the state.”
When Froling transitioned to Flagler County Fire Rescue, he built this response capability locally.
“Through his vision, discipline, and commitment to high-level training, (Lt. Froling) transformed Flagler County’s Technical Rescue Team into a well-equipped, highly capable team that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the premier programs in Florida,” said Barry. “He has fostered deep mutual-aid relationships with St. Johns County Fire Rescue, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, strengthening interoperability and elevating regional readiness.”
Froling also serves as an adjunct instructor and subject-matter expert in large animal technical rescue for UF VETS. His efforts have expanded statewide capacity in this specialized area and influenced the development and revision of National Fire Protection Association standards, specifically NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500, that govern technical rescue operations. His work has also improved responder safety across diverse disciplines.
“What sets Lt. Froling apart is not only his technical expertise but his character,” Barry said. “His lifelong dedication to continued education, innovation, and mentorship has shaped an entire generation of firefighters and rescue technicians – including his own son, who now serves alongside him in this profession. Few leaders model the combination of humility, skill, and unwavering drive that Lt. Froling demonstrates daily.”
Froling’s instruction bridges the gap between technical expertise and practical field operation. His work has also benefited 4-H and other agricultural organizations through his commitment to prevention, preparedness, and community engagement.
“Lt. Froling exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and continuous improvement,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “His vision and dedication have elevated rescue capabilities not only in Flagler County but across Florida and beyond.”
