Meet John O’Connor
For over two decades, John O’Connor has stood on the front lines as an Indian River County firefighter and paramedic – running toward danger, pulling people from crisis, and bearing the heavy emotional weight of compassion for those in their darkest hours.
Deeply rooted in the community, John attended St. Helen Catholic School, Vero Beach Junior High, and Vero Beach High School, before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and Associate degrees in Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science.
When his brothers and sisters in the fire service needed a steady hand and a fierce advocate, they looked to John. Elected by his peers to be their trusted representative to local, county and state government,. He served as President of the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Indian River County for 12 years—carrying the torch, fighting for better standards, and standing up for the men and women who wear the uniform.
His devotion to his neighbors extends far beyond the a firefighters shift. Driven by a deep, abiding care for others, John was a founding member of the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association, where he still serves today as a trustee, returning hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities and student support.
For John, it has always been about Vero Beach. Beyond ensuring that local residents have a world-class fire rescue department, his deep love for the community took him on a different kind of ride. Not just any bike ride, but leading the Vero Velo Bicycle Club and directing the Tour de Vero charity cycling event for three years, turning a shared passion for the open road into critical scholarship funds for local students through Dollars for Scholars. He never forgot the residents of Vero Beach.
A proven leader, and community patriarch, John O’Connor is the clear, trusted choice to bring that same courage, integrity, and servant’s heart to local leadership.
John O’Connor At a Glance
Lifelong Vero Beach resident, and community patriarch Graduate of St. Helen Catholic School, Vero Beach Junior High, and Vero Beach High School
Active-duty firefighter and paramedic with Indian River County Fire Rescue since 2000
Trusted and elected leader who represented his peers before county and state government for 12 years as President of the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Indian River County
Founding member and current Trustee of the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, plus Associate degrees in Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science
Former President of the Vero Velo Bicycle Club and Director of the Tour de Vero charity cycling fundraiser supporting local students