Special to the Herald
Two firefighters were recently sworn in and pinned at Oviedo City Hall.
Firefighters Oliver Teal (left) and Victor Velasquez III (right) went through the orientation process before being assigned to their shifts following the ceremony. Teal and Velasquez both spent time working with Battalion Chiefs, Engineers, Paramedics, Lieutenants, and trainers on hose lines, hydrant work, rapid rescue, ladders, forcible entry, extrication, and Tower Truck/Aerial operations.
“I am excited to welcome Firefighters Teal and Velasquez to the Oviedo Fire Department,” said Oviedo Fire Chief Michael Woodward. “Their enthusiasm and passion for the fire service will contribute to the great service we provide to the Citizens of Oviedo.”
Fire Chief Michael Woodward officially swore in Teal and Velasquez.
“Always remain humble and never stop learning,” said Fire Chief Michael Woodward during the ceremony.
Velasquez is originally from Miami and came to Orlando about two years ago. He graduated from the Fire Academy in Orlando. Before becoming a firefighter, Velasquez served four years in the Coast Guard and is currently in the Army National Guard and recently returned from a deployment. Teal originally hails from a town just north of Manchester England and has been in the U.S. for approximately 13 years, with eight of those years in Florida. He wanted to become a firefighter after living next door to a Polk County fire station.
Along with friends and family, both firefighters were joined by Mayor Sladek and Councilmember Ott, City Manager Bryan Cobb, Fire Command Staff, Fire Department Staff, and city staff.
