A Calhoun County sheriff's deputy who spent his shift helping residents evacuate from a wildfire near the Mossy Pond area died Saturday shortly after going off duty, officials said. Deputy Steven Bruner suffered a medical emergency not long after his shift ended and was later pronounced dead.
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office announced Bruner's death on Sunday and, in a Facebook post, praised his work during the blaze, saying he "worked tirelessly (Saturday) assisting with evacuations during the fire, putting the safety of others before himself" and that "to know Bruner was to love him." The agency said he "suffered a medical emergency" shortly after his shift and added that local officials had offered condolences, according to CBS Miami. That reporting also noted that Calhoun County Emergency Management placed the Mossy Pond Area fire at about 550 acres with roughly 80% containment as of Monday morning.
Bruner's role and local ties
Calhoun County's law-enforcement roster lists "Steve Bruner" among its patrol staff, confirming his role with the department, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. The agency has not released additional details about his age, how long he served or an official cause of death.
Mossy Pond blaze and containment
Emergency officials said the Mossy Pond Area wildfire prompted evacuations Saturday as crews worked to protect homes and nearby roads. County emergency management estimated the blaze at roughly 550 acres and about 80% containment as of Monday morning, per local reports cited by CBS Miami.
Why the Panhandle is on alert
Experts say a mix of lingering drought and low humidity has kept wildfire risk elevated across much of Florida this spring, leaving the Panhandle especially vulnerable as the state moves into its busiest stretch for fires. Forecasters and local outlets have warned of above-normal wildfire potential, according to WUSF.
What officials and neighbors are saying
Local leaders and residents have been offering condolences in the wake of the announcement, and the sheriff's office described Bruner as "selfless" and "dedicated" as the community mourned his loss. Officials said they plan to share more information as it becomes available and reminded residents to keep an eye on local emergency channels for wildfire updates and evacuation guidance.
