Contributed
The Oviedo Police Department officially welcomed a new officer to its ranks today. Elijah Garcia was sworn in during a ceremony at City Council Chambers.
Officer Garcia took the oath of office at 10:30 a.m., administered by Police Chief Dale Coleman.
“We will make sure Officer Garcia has all the tools he needs to succeed here,” said Chief Coleman. “He brings a great set of skills, including being a certified EMT, to our community.”
Garcia originally hailed from New Smyrna Beach before his family moved to Colorado. He originally wanted to work in medicine and began studying neuroscience before the birth of his son.
He wanted to change the trajectory of his career and after doing a ride-along with a police officer, law enforcement was the career he chose. Garcia wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives while serving his community. He attended school and became a sworn officer with the Erie Police Department in January 2022.
Garcia moved his family back to Central Florida in December 2025 and joined the Oviedo Police Department, where he will continue to serve.
After he was sworn in by Chief Dale Coleman, Garcia was pinned by his wife with his two children watching.
The ceremony was attended by family, City staff, command staff and fellow officers.
