Armando spent 14 years fighting fires and saving lives with the Apopka Fire Department and 7 years active duty with the United States Marine Corp.  In 2011 Armando was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer, which he battled for 2 years until his death at age 39.  In an effort to keep Armando's memory alive, all donations and  proceeds from events will benefit a memorial scholarship fund in his name.  The funds will help send local youth to Fire and EMT school and carry on Armando's legacy of public service.