Firefighter/Paramedic Nate Procession

Published on January 13, 2022

Headshot of Firefighter/Paramedic James “Nate” Leonard

The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department (CSPFD) mourns the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic James “Nate” Leonard at the age of 43. Nate fought a courageous two-year battle with cancer and died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. 

Funeral Mass:
Friday, January 14, 2022 – 10 a.m.
Saint Andrew Catholic Church
9950 NW 29th Street, Coral Springs, FL

Funeral Procession:

Areas and times traffic will be affected are as follows:

  • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. - Royal Palm Blvd. west to 99th Avenue,  NW 29th Street can expect traffic delays, and a brief road closure on NW 29thStreet. 
  • 11:15 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. expect traffic delays from NW 29th Street to Coral Springs Drive south to Atlantic Blvd. west to Coral Ridge south. The funeral procession will pass Firefighter/Paramedic Leonard’s Fire Station 95 located at 300 Coral Ridge Drive. From there the procession will head south on Coral Ridge Drive to McNab Road east, to 441 where the interment will take place at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery. 

About Nate 
Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Nate pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter/paramedic after graduating from the Coral Springs Regional Institute for Public Safety, Class 04-03 and completing his EMT certification from the Florida Medical Training Institute. Nate became a member of the CSPFD family on April 9, 2007. Throughout his career, Nate earned numerous accolades including: a Unit Citation, three Lifesaving Commendations and a Meritorious Duty Commendation. Prior to his death he served at Station 95.
 
Reflecting on Nate’s contributions to CSPFD, Fire Chief Michael McNally says, “Nate was a true public servant, he was brave in his duties as a firefighter and paramedic, but equally brave as he faced and fought cancer. While we are heartbroken by his death, our focus is on Nate’s family and providing them with the support and comfort they need as we prepare to lay Nate, a true hero, to rest.”
 
Upon learning of Nate’s passing, Coral Springs Mayor, Scott Brook echoed Fire Chief McNally’s sentiments stating, “On behalf of the Coral Springs City Commission, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Leonard family and his fire family. We offer our unwavering support to his grieving family during this difficult time and will forever honor Nate’s service to our community.”
 
Nate is survived by his wife, Nina, parents, Jim and Marilyn Leonard, and sister, Valerie Leonard.