In a moment that felt more like a movie than a Monday, Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter Paramedic Chris Calio officially retired on April 1 — and spent his final shift working alongside his son, Nick Calio, who was reporting to Fire Station 16 for what he describes as his first “official” day on the job.
A 20-Year Career Ends
Chris Calio brought more than 20 years of service to Flagler County Fire Rescue before stepping away. His path to firefighting was not a straight one — he spent his earlier career in hospitality, running a bakery in the Orlando area before making the transition to emergency services. He spent his last shift at Fire Station 16, located on the Volusia County border, alongside two of his closest friends in the department: Noah Hunt and Jake Gonzalez.
“I have been with the department for more than 20 years,” the elder Calio said. “I am excited for Nick joining the department, and I was surprised to see him here on the same shift. Usually, family members don’t work the same shift, same station. I also wanted the chance to work my last shift with Jake and Noah.” He added a reflection on what he witnessed over his two decades of service: “I’ve seen the growth in this agency. There are a lot of great people here.”
A Son Steps Up
Nick Calio officially joined Flagler County Fire Rescue two weeks ago but had not yet worked a full shift before Monday. For the younger Calio, the career choice was never in doubt. His uncle is a firefighter in New York, and the pull toward the profession has been with him for as long as he can remember.
“I’m like 25% nervous, and 75% excited,” Nick Calio said. “This is something I’ve always wanted.”
The coincidence of father and son sharing a station and a shift on the same day — one starting, one finishing — was not planned by the department. Family members typically do not work the same shift at the same station, making the moment all the more unexpected and meaningful for both of them.
