The Citrus County Commission on Aug. 24 dedicated the county's new aerial ladder fire truck to the memory of the late Jim Shields, and invited his family to accept a plaque in his honor.

Shields, a non fire-fighting volunteer, was a tireless chronicler of the Fire Services activity through his photography and videos.

Shields, 61, died Sept. 28, 2009 during a traffic accident.

A preliminary report from the Florida Highway Patrol indicates that Shields veered off the road suddenly on Grover Cleveland Boulevard at about 7:29 p.m. His vehicle flipped in the process, and he was thrown out of his SUV, landing next to the vehicle. It is believed he had suffered a heart attack.

Shields had been a volunteer firefighter for about one and one-half years, according to county spokesman Jim Hunter on Tuesday. Shields was noted for his work behind the camera, as well, including assisting the Division of Forestry, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and as a commercial photographer. Shields documented weddings, and did a number of jobs for outside agencies. Shields also documented a number of fire scenes around Citrus County.

He routinely photographed and created videos of the county's fire service in action on scenes all over the county, and his photos and videos were considered invaluable in training firefighters. Although a professional photographer, he was known for liberally giving away photos to the people he photographed.

Citrus County Deputy Fire Chief Jim Goodworth said shortly after Shields' death, “Jim Shields was respected by all who knew him. He gave so much, not only to the Fire Service but many other agencies. He gave so much, not only to the Fire Service but many other agencies. We are all saddened by his untimely death.

A special ceremony to honor Shields was observed on Sept. 3, 2009 at the Crystal River United Methodist Church.