ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The St. Augustine Fire Department is mourning the loss of Rufus “Bubba" Stratton, the department’s longest surviving retiree.
St. Augustine Fire Department statement:
“To say that Bubba was a legend with the St Augustine Fire Department would be an understatement. He served our community for 30 years. They don’t make men like this anymore and we couldn’t be any prouder to have had him among our ranks. Men like him helped define this Department and we are honored to carry on this legacy. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Thank you Captain Stratton for your decades of leadership, friendship and service.”
As a kid, Bubba brought the Alligator Farm baby alligators and he was paid 25 cents for each one of them. After years of experience, he became one of the State of Florida’s first licensed alligator trappers, and would spare the lives of some large nuisance alligators by bringing them to the Alligator Farm.
It’s possible visitors have seen some of these large alligators in the swamp and lagoon exhibits.
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