Nottingham dedicated his life to service
James Leroy Nottingham spent 60 years of his life as a firefighter. When he wasn’t fighting fires, he was making difficult decisions on the behalf of his colleagues, whether it was deciding on a budget or as a union leader seeking legislation to protect firefighters statewide.
Known as Leroy, Nottingham, a North Fort Myers Fire Commissioner who served the community for nearly 30 years, died Aug. 1. He was 84.
Ron Beecroft, fire chief for the North Fort Myers Fire & Rescue District, said Nottingham’s legacy locally and statewide is immense and that he was one of the best people he has ever met.
“Leroy was a good man. Nobody heard anyone say anything bad about him. Not only has he done stuff for the department locally but for the state,” Beecroft said. “As a commissioner, he was always solid and did the right thing for us and the community.”
“He was quite substantial even before I was born. I had heard a lot about him, but in his prime he was quite influential throughout the state and national levels,” said Christi Kulwicki, NFMFD spokesperson. “He brought change to the fire service itself by bringing the union here to Lee County.”
Before coming to North Fort Myers, Nottingham served as a firefighter in Fort Myers, retiring as a captain in 1994.
North Fort Myers Fire & Rescue District made the announcement on Nottingham’s death, saying that among his greatest accomplishments was establishing Southwest Florida Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics, IAFF Local 1826 Union Chapter in Lee County, where he became instrumental to the firefighter union on the state and federal levels.
Nottingham also served as an executive board member to the Florida Professional Firefighters and worked tirelessly in Tallahassee for decades during session, promoting bills that would help first responders.
Nottingham was a large supporter to the local Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) with their frequent boot drives, something he did long before learning his great grandson would have Muscular Dystrophy. He would appear on the annual telethon to hand out the check to MDA from money raised from the boot drives.
He also served as a coach for the local Little League and Pop Warner football and created the Local 1826 Leroy Nottingham Firefighter Paramedic Benevolent Fund.
Nottingham’s and the district’s Facebook page were filled with condolences and thanks from family and friends to a man who impacted many people’s lives.
“I am going to miss you, my friend. RIP Brother, you have made an impact in so many ways and so many lives,” Bayshore Fire Chief Larry Nisbet wrote on his page.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with his final care.