- April 19, 2024
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Firefighter EMT John Varano posed with his family and friends before the beginning of the ceremony.
Chaplin Joshua Sauers led attendees in a prayer to kick off the ceremony.
Acting Fire Chief Thomas Smothers spoke highly of those recognized in serving the city of Ocoee community and beyond.
Lieutenant Joe Moy was recognized for his retirement in April 2020 after 30 years of service.
Matt Roy was presented with the Firefighter of the Year award by Wayne Vaughn, a former Ocoee fire lieutenant who now serves as the chairperson for the Citizens Advisory Counsel to the department.
Firefighter Kevin Benkel posed with his dad Keith and his mom Kim after his pinning.
Firefighter Giovanny Veloz was recognized as a new member of the team and had his son Marcus Medina help to place his pin.
Firefighter Kalen Killy was recognized as a new member of the team and had her girlfriend Sara Holliday help to place her pin.
Firefighter Danial Clayton raised his right hand to be sworn in to the department.
Ocoee Fire Department members, friends and family gathered for the first pinning and recognition ceremony since the pandemic began.
Friends, family and firefighters gathered in the Ocoee Fire Department Station 25 apparatus bay for a pinning and recognition ceremony on Thursday, May 26.
The ceremony was the first one held by the department since the beginning of the pandemic.
Ocoee Fire Marshall Shawn Sorenson kicked off the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance before passing over the floor to Chaplain Joshua Sauers who led the group in an invocation, followed by opening remarks from Acting Ocoee Fire Chief Thomas Smothers.
The ceremony honored four retirees – Battalion Chief Dave Whitaker, Lieutenant Joe Moy, Battalion Chief Edwin Youman and Fire Chief John Miller.
The ceremony also recognized promotions of Tim Hoyt to senior municipal inspector, Cameron Outland and David Sprague to battalion chief, Bronson Fernandez, Joe Ponzini, and Ryan Sandberg to lieutenant, and Robert LaBrunda, Sheila Rodriguez, Matt Roy, Jillian Sabat, and Chris Villa to engineer.
Firefighter pinnings occurred for the following members; Kevin Benkel, Jimmy Carroll, Daniel Clayton, Evan Cotroneo, Jeff Goletz, Aiden Herrera, Harrison Koller, Kalen Lilly, Michael McCane, Juan Millan, Clay Pruim, Andrew Ramirez, Armando Rodriguez, James Sims, Nick Slater, Cory Spangler, John Varano, Giovanny Veloz and Jacob Winkelman.
In addition, Roy was presented with the distinguished Firefighter of the Year award.
After the new firefighters were sworn in, the morning concluded with refreshments and snacks inside the station.
Smothers said he was especially touched by the retirees that came to the ceremony.
“I worked closely with the three that were honored today, but there were several others that came to the ceremony to honor them and to show their support,” Smothers said. “This touches my heart and reminds me of the camaraderie and brotherhood of the fire service that led to the love I have for my profession.”
