Happy Father’s Day, Mark Finlay!
You are our #StokeAHero Channel Islands Happy Winner this week! @Mark_Finlay is a St. Augustine local and a 19-year veteran firefighter for Alachua County Fire Rescue.
When Covid-19 began to spread, Mark, like all fathers, was concerned about the potential to contract the virus and spread it to his family. As a First Responder, the chances to come in contact with infected patients were inevitable especially in the college town of Gainsville. Nonetheless, he’s stepped up and works tirelessly while putting himself in harm’s way performing his service to the community.
His years of experience as a First Responder have given him a very cautious and thoughtful approach to working with sick and injured patients. Thankfully, his diligence and adherence to guidelines and protocol have helped him stay safe while being exposed to Covid-19 multiple times on the job. Although his tests have come back negative, Mark has been quarantining more than he has been with his Fiancee Samantha and Daughter Leila, since Covid-19 began to spread.
Spending that much time away from his loved ones has been tough on Mark but he is always quick to point out that the impact on his family could be way more severe and how other families are experiencing much worse from the effects of the Pandemic. Never one to sing his own praises, Mark does not speak all of the patients and families that he’s been able to help during the pandemic, let alone in his long career in Fire Rescue. Anyone that knows him speaks of his consistently calm, kind, and positive attitude no matter what the situation is. The kind of Hero that we love to Stoke out!
Mark is a lifelong surfer and has not been able to surf since the pandemic began to take hold. The time spent working shifts and quarantining has kept him away from his family and also from surfing. We also learned that Mark broke his board in the Fall. A fresh new #ciHappy will be ready to go when you are able to shred! Thank you from all of us at The Surf Station! Happy Father’s Day to all of the Rad Dads out there!
#thesurfstation #stokeahero #healthcareheroes
