Austin Michael Duran of Apopka, Florida – a loving son, brother, grandson and so much more, was born in Orlando on May 25, 1997. He was tragically taken from us in the line of duty on July 15, 2022. Austin is survived by his mother Gail, father Michael, his sister Sierra, girlfriend Sydney, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his extended firefighter family. Although born in Orlando he felt at home and said he would always live in the Apopka bubble.
Austin was instantly liked by anyone who met him. People were drawn to his gentle demeanor, goofy personality, and easygoing manner. Austin and his sister Sierra shared a special bond and were not only siblings’ but best friends. His love of his Xbox was only surpassed by the love of Sydney, his long-term girlfriend. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family kayaking at the springs and going to the theme parks.
Austin found his calling at an early age after talking to his cousin who is also firefighter and joining the Explorers in high school. He knew from that point on that he wanted a career in Firefighting and joined the Apopka Fire Department in July 2020. He viewed the people he worked with not as coworkers but as brothers and sisters and AFD quickly became his second family.
Austin has left an undeniable impact that will live on in all our hearts and souls. Rest easy, we will take it from here. We will love you forever.
A memorial service will be held at Journey Christian Church in Apopka FL , the inside seating is reserved for uniformed first responders only. No media will be allowed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to First Responders Children’s Foundation (1strcf.org) or a charity of your choice in honor of Austin.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Bruno Bottona says
We are so sorry for the loss of Austin.Our hearts ache for you.Please know we are here for you
always,we love you.
Mom & Dad Bottona
Deborah Gianos says
Words cannot express the deep sadness I feel for you and your family. I hope in time, the good memories you have of Austin will take the place of these past few days.
Please know that I and mom and dad are here for support, love and whatever else you may need.
Love you!!!!
Debbie
Tony Alexander says
Gail, please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. My prayers of comfort are with you all.
Tony Alexander
FIS
Mark Mora says
Gail and family, I am so sorry for your loss, this was so sad to hear of Austin’s passing. I did not know Austin but he seemed to be a delightful and wonderful young man and taken away too soon. Now he is with Christ in his Kingdom in Heaven. Please accept my prayers and condolences for your loss, I will keep your family in my prayer and add you to my groups prayers. God Bless you all and may Austin Rest in Peace.
AnnaRingland says
May Austin Rest In Peace in Jesus Loving Arms 🙏🙏🙏
Louise Fritscher says
Gail, Michael, Sierra, Sydney and all that loved Austin, there are things that happen in life that we may never understand and will never make sense. But may you somehow find peace during this time and support in each other and in your faith. Keep your memories close, Austin’s love he had for each of you, has been left for you, that will never go away.
My grandson once said, God is building a strong army and so he needs his strongest warriors. One of my nieces said, God has a checklist and some of us finish our journey on earth and check off the checkboxes quicker than others, so they get to go to their next journey before us.
I’m sure, from everything that I’ve read about Austin that these are true about him. He is a warrior and he checked off all the boxes.
Rest in Peace Austin, well done.
Rose Dela Cerna says
Our deepest condolences to the Duran family. God has another angel in heaven. Austin’s name will forever be remembered and memories will live in everyone’s hearts.
Charles Trachtenberg says
My deepest condolences to the family may his memory be a blessing
Rachel says
My heart is broken for Austin’s family. His mother and I have worked together for 15+ years and as much as she has given to her job, (which is a lot) I know she always gave 100X more to her family.
My most sincere condolences for your loss.
Louise Fritscher says
Gail, Michael, Sierra, Sydney and all those that loved Austin, there are simply no words to say to take away pain and grief when a tragedy such as this happens and someone so young is taken from us far too soon. It is simply something we cannot understand. I hope that you will all find comfort, support and love in each other and in your faith. Keep your fondest memories close to you, and know that Austin left his love for each of you here and took the love you had for him with him to his new journey.
My grandson once said that God is building an army and he needs his strongest warriors with him. One of my nieces once said, she likes to think that God has a checklist for each of us and when the boxes are checked, He calls us home.
From everything I have ready about Austin, this must be true – he was a warrior and he checked off all the boxes. May you rest in peace, Austin. Well done.
Bert Hooks says
I’m sorry for your loss. Take your time grieving. There is no wrong way to do it.
Donna Willkerson says
Gail and Sierra,
I m so very sorry for you loss. There are not words to say or anything anyone can say to you at a time as this. Not only is this a private grief but for you and your family it is very public. I know what you are going through as my family lost my dad who was with the sheriff department and it was very public. It is hard. Know this, that fire department family will be some of the most long term supportive folks you will encounter. First responders and police are very special group of people.
Gail you work family and bank colleagues hurt for you and know you are thought of so very often.
May God comfort you at this sad time. Again I am so sorry you are having to go through this.
Donna
Jan Lane says
Duran Family,
My heart is with you all at this time. What a lovely Memorial written about Austin. All the great ones are taken so soon.
I will continue to pray for your family.
Jan Lane
FIS
Laura Frazier says
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words, no sage advice I can offer. Know that you are all in my prayers. Go slow. Be gentle. Follow your truth — it will sustain you.
Bonnie says
I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for you commitment to keep people safe. God bless
Village of Palm Springs says
With heartfelt condolences.
Peyton Turner says
There are no words to express my deepest sympathy for the Duran family.
Sending much love and many prayers & beyond to all of you.
Mike, I hold you up to the healing light.
You are the Father of an exemplary young man; Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew & Firefighter.
His service to such an amazing career will be honored and remembered.
Austin’s legacy as a Duran will live on FOREVER.
Love,
Peyton
Dorothy Newsome says
The Newsome Family of Apopka sending our prayers to the family We love you he is in heaven we love you may god bless.
Kandy Gordecki says
I just heard about this today on Saturday the day of the funeral. I noticed all the law enforcement around my neighborhood and the many firefighters and emergency responders from the different cities coming to pay this young man their love and respect. It is extremely sad and very moving to watch the dedication first responders have for one another. May God bring comfort and peace to the ENTIRE family and friends of Austin.
Carl H. Galloway says
May the Lord bless you all during this Critical time in your lives, our heart’s go out to everyone that was apart of Austin’s life 🌹❣️🌹
Sincerely and Respectfully,
The CH Galloway IV Family