Editor’s Note: The following is a tribute by the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services family to Director Daryl A. George Sr., who died on Tuesday after a sudden illness.
Director Daryl A. George Sr. was, first and foremost, a dedicated father. Our hearts will always be filled with the extraordinary achievements he left behind as the director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, former coordinator for V.I. Junior Firefighters, Firefighter’s Union President, and assistant director of Fire Services, as well as his work integrating the Virgin Islands Fire Service and the Virgin Islands Emergency Medical Services to create VIFEMS.
Director George first donned his firefighter’s uniform in 1995. Throughout his career, he quickly elevated within our department with his unrivaled passion for firefighting and public safety. He was more than just a firefighter; under challenging times, he represented hope. Beyond the call of duty, his constant compassion and understanding for those he served allowed him to inspire and reassure many of us during our most difficult times.
The foundation of Director George’s leadership style was action, cooperation, and humility. He brought our team together, transforming it into a close-knit family of committed professionals who collaborated well because they understood that each life saved was evidence of our devotion to one another.
By planning innumerable instructional events and fire safety outreach initiatives, he brought our department into the center of our communities. He significantly contributed to the preservation of lives and the averting of numerous disasters. He improved our readiness to handle even the most difficult circumstances under his leadership. In addition to the community’s praise for his commitment to disaster planning and response, he continuously reminded our territory of his gratitude for the commitment and sacrifices made by the men and women within our ranks.
We are reminded of Director George’s legacy in every moment. Though his absence is indescribable, we are immensely grateful for his compassion, trust, faith, and pride in our department and territory.
As we forge the path he cleared ahead, we extend our collective support and respect to Director George’s family in the weeks and months ahead. His dedication to our mission often required long hours away from his loved ones, and we are profoundly grateful for their sacrifice and support. Their understanding enabled him to give his best to our department and community, and we are eternally thankful to them for sharing him with us.
