The Destin fire community is mourning after Battalion Chief Mike Urenda passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fort Walton Beach on Sunday, Sept. 25.
A 911 call came in to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office just before 4 p.m. Sunday. EMS arrived and pronounced Urenda dead at the scene shortly thereafter. He was 47 years old. He leaves behind a wife, three sons, a daughter and a new granddaughter.
His cause of death is still being determined, but the Sheriff's Office does not suspect foul play, according to spokeswoman Michele Nicholson.
Members of the Destin Fire Control District referred to Urenda as “family” and spoke about his leadership skills. He was also an elected fire commissioner for Ocean City Wright Fire District.