- May 6, 2024
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Daniel Driscoll took on the challenge of boxing for the first time in his life. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Driscoll shredded 25 pounds and 3% body fat during his training. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Driscoll lands a right punch to his opponent' s face late in the third round. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Palm Coast firefighter Lieutenant Daniel Driscoll loves a good challenge. After all, he is a firefighter. But, over the last year, he took up a challenge that came to fruition in the middle of a boxing ring on Saturday, April 22, in Jacksonville.
Driscoll, of Palm Coast Fire Station No. 25, journeyed to Veterans Memorial Arena to take place in Jacksonville’s 19th-annual Guns n’ Hoses charity boxing tournament between the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Fraternal Order of Police.
“Other than it seemed like a way to challenge myself,” Driscoll said, “I don’t have a good answer for why I did it. I’ve played sports all my life, and I would say the physical health benefits are worth it.”
In the last six months, Driscoll trained three nights per week and shredded 25 pounds and lost 3% body fat.
As Driscoll made his way to the ring, family, friends, Palm Coast local firefighters and those in attendance roared in support of him. And, after three one-minute rounds, the judges ruled in favor of the police officer with a split decision.
“I feel, against all odds, I did really well (Driscoll was suffering from a fever and fatigue),” Driscoll said. “He was a great opponent and has fought many times before.”
Captain Kyle Berryhill of the Palm Coast Fire Department was one of locals who attended the match. After watching his lieutenant give his all in the ring, Berryhill said, “We are really proud of the way Lt. Driscoll represented the city and the fire department. He is a guy who leads from the front and loves to challenge himself. So, to see him compete wasn't surprising. The entire process has been great as his firefighter brothers and sisters really rallied around Dan, and he in turn gave us a tremendous effort in his fight."
Driscoll says he’s unsure if he will fight next year, but he has a lot of time to make that decision.
Driscoll has been serving as a firefighter for nine years. He describes his life as a firefighter as “many new adventures. Firefighting is a way to live that kind of ever-challenging life with the added benefit of helping people and making your community a better place.”
