WEIRSDALE, FL (352today.com) – For a quarter of a century, one woman’s kindness, compassion and competence has helped her colleagues at Marion County Fire Rescue succeed.

Now those colleagues are stepping up to help her in the fight of her life. Angela Knight is battling Stage 4 cancer.

Photo of Angela Knight a longtime employee of Marion County Fire Rescue who is battling Stage 4 bone cancer.
Longtime Marion County Fire Rescue employee Angela Knight was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer. Courtesy: MCFR

“Angela has been working for us for 25 plus years. So that means she has touched the lives of every single firefighter, every EMT and every paramedic,” said James Lucas, Marion County Fire Rescue public safety information manager. “Her cancer diagnosis is not only devastating for her and her immediate family, but it has devastated all of us at Marion County Fire Rescue.”

A benefit concert was held on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Orange Blossom Opry. Grammy nominated singer John Berry headlined the event.

“We took the firefighters who were on duty at Weirsdale Station 27, brought the fire truck and ambulance over, and we sought donations from the crowd that was entering,” said Lucas. “We were able to present Mr. John Berry with a thin redline flag, thanking him for his support of Marion County Fire Rescue.”

The event raised $1,242, in donations from the concert goers and the Orange Blossom Opry who donated $1 for every ticket purchased.

Knight’s courage inspires her co-workers

Lucas says Knight has the ability to connect with everyone in the department, leading them in the right direction if they needed help, taking care of people like a mother or a big sister.

“She would issue you bunker gear, get you a radio. She did everything in our department to send out the most prepared and well-trained firefighters, EMTs and paramedics into the field to care for our citizens,” said Lucas.

L-R: James Lucas, Lewis Stokes, Dave Jaquez and John Berry on stage at the Orange Blossom Opry, on Aug. 17, 2024, at a benefit concert for longtime MCFR employee Angela Knight. Courtesy: James Lucas/MCFR
Marion County Fire Rescue’s James Lucas presented Grammy nominated singer John Berry with a “thin red line” flag to thank him for his support of Marion County Fire Rescue. Courtesy: James Lucas/MCFR

Lucas says despite her diagnosis, Knight’s work ethic and sense of responsibility haven’t diminished.

“She’s fighting the good fight. She wants to come to work,” said Lucas. “Many people in their capacity of being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer need to begin their fight, and fight like hell. Angela to this day, she’s in the office, and we have to tell her, ‘Please don’t feel like you have to come to work every day.’ That’s just the type of person she is.”

A GoFundMe was established to help Knight. Organizers are trying to raise $25,000. As of this publication, a little more than $6,000 has been donated.