Who We Are

President 

Christopher "Chris" Lewis is the President of the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund and a Company Officer with Marion County Fire Rescue, bringing 18 years of experience to his role. With a background in Special Operations Teams spanning over a decade, Chris is dedicated to serving both his fellow firefighters and the broader community. He holds a bachelor’s degree (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and has been actively involved with MCFBF for 10 years, previously serving as Vice President. Passionate about giving back, he values the opportunity to make a positive impact through leadership and service. Outside of work, Chris enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, and ultra running. He is married and a proud father to his daughter.

Vice President 

James "Cuz" Cussins serves as Vice President of the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund and has been a firefighter and paramedic with Marion County for 19 years. With a deep commitment to service, he strives to support both his fellow firefighters and the broader community in times of need. Beyond his professional role, James volunteers as a youth football coach, mentoring students ages 10 to 15 and serving as a positive role model. A state-certified firefighter and paramedic through the Florida State Fire College, he is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in both emergency response and community outreach.

Treasurer 

Harrison Sprechman is a Lieutenant with Marion County Fire Rescue, bringing 13 years of experience to his role. A dedicated advocate for firefighter well-being, he has been involved with the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund for 11 years and serves on the MCFR Peer Support team. Harrison holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and was honored as Lieutenant of the Year in 2023. Passionate about giving back, he is committed to supporting fellow firefighters and the community in times of need. He lives by the words of Friedrich Nietzsche: "Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?"

Secretary 

Christopher "Chris" Lewis is a Lieutenant/Firefighter at Firehouse 16 with Marion County Fire Rescue, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to his role. A dedicated public servant, he spent almost a decade as a Driver at Firehouse 16 before assuming his current position. Chris also serves as Secretary for the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund (MCFBF), a cause deeply personal to him after the organization supported his family following a devastating house fire in 2013. Passionate about emergency management, he is currently pursuing his degree at the College of Central Florida and St. Petersburg College. Beyond his career, Chris is a devoted husband and father of four, enjoying the outdoors through hunting and fishing. He lives by the motto, "With no sacrifice comes no reward," embodying his commitment to service and community support.

Executive Board Member 

Manuel "Manny" Arias is a Driver Engineer with Marion County Fire Rescue, bringing 14 years of dedicated service to the firefighting community. He holds a bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration and an associate degree in Fire Science from St. Petersburg College. Actively involved with the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund since 2011, Manny is committed to supporting his fellow firefighters and the community. Beyond his professional role, he volunteers as a youth baseball and football coach, fostering leadership in young athletes. Married with two children, he enjoys outdoor activities and is committed to excellence, guided by his favorite quote: "Rules are for those who cannot follow directions. Standards are for those who aspire to do special things."

Executive Board Member 

Stephen "Steve" Johnson is a Lieutenant with Marion County Fire Rescue, bringing 28 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services, including leadership roles in Special Operations HAZMAT and as a company officer for 21 years. A dedicated board member of the Marion County Firefighter Benevolence Fund since 2018, Steve is passionate about supporting first responders and those in need. He also serves as the Paramedic Lab Supervisor at the College of Central Florida and has been a Burn Camp volunteer since 2008. Recognized as Lieutenant of the Year in 2018 and nominated again in 2024, Steve holds multiple critical care certifications and has studied at the University of Florida and the University of Maryland. Outside his career, he enjoys spearfishing and spending time with his wife, Rebekah, President of Embers of Hope Burn Camp, and their two children. Guided by the belief that “there is nothing closer to the heart of a firefighter than to help a burn-injured child and those who help others,” Steve is committed to expanding resources and partnerships to strengthen the mission of MCFBF.

Executive Board Member

Michael "Burk" Burkhart is a Lieutenant for Marion County Fire Rescue with 24 years in the fire service and has been dedicated to the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund since 2015, joining the board in 2022. A paramedic graduate of the College of Central Florida, he is committed to expanding fundraising efforts to support firefighters in need. With a deep passion for the fire service brotherhood, Burk finds purpose in giving back. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Kathleen, their four children, and grandson, Vinny. 

Executive Director of MCFBF
“Embers Of Hope Burn Camp”

My work within the burn community is central to this mission. I serve as a SOAR peer supporter at Shands Hospital, providing encouragement to burn patients, and mentor young survivors at the Children’s Burn Camp of North Florida. I’ve had the privilege of speaking about fire safety and advocating for burn survivors across the country, including at the opening ceremony of the World Burn Congress. Additionally, I collaborated with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to advocate for safer building codes, resulting in the Florida Building Commission mandating the use of AFCIs (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters) in new construction to prevent electrical fires. For over 10 years, I moderated a global online chat for burn survivors through the Phoenix Society, fostering a space for healing and peer support. These experiences have driven my passion for helping children and their families navigate the complex emotional, physical, and educational challenges that follow a burn injury. In partnership with my husband, a Marion County Firefighter, and the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund, I am proud to lead Embers of Hope Burn Camp—a camp designed specifically for children who have sustained burn injuries. Embers of Hope is a free, four-day, three-night camp held at Lake Swan Camp in Melrose, Florida, for children ages 6 to 16. Our camp provides a safe, supportive space where young survivors can connect with peers, engage in fun and enriching activities, and learn coping skills that will help them thrive both personally and academically as they move forward in their recovery.