MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com)—For Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) Chief James Banta, it’s seventh heaven.

The tenured fire chief is celebrating seven years at the helm of MCFR. The veteran chief commemorated his anniversary in a Facebook post.

“This has been an incredible journey, and I am honored to serve this community. I am filled with gratitude for the trust and support you have shown our fire department,” writes Banta. “Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated triumphs, and worked towards creating a safer and stronger community.”

Banta writes how the department has focused on making “great strides” in enhancing emergency response capabilities, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and providing ongoing personnel training.

“Our top priority has always been and will continue to be the safety of our residents and the dedicated first responders,” writes Banta. “We have made great strides in enhancing our emergency response capabilities, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and providing ongoing training for our personnel. Additionally, the well-being of our firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and support staff is paramount. We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, providing the resources needed for physical, mental, and spiritual health, and recognizing the dedication of our team.”

Banta concludes, “Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will build on the foundation of the past seven years and work towards an even safer and more resilient future.”