Ocala Fire Rescue honored 22 people at a swearing-in and promotional ceremony held at the Reilly Arts Center on Monday.
With numerous promotions scheduled to take place in 2019, Ocala Fire Rescue’s newly appointed Fire Chief, Shane Alexander, utilized what would have been a standalone celebration – his swearing-in ceremony – to highlight the successes of many through the event.
The ceremony, which included a display of pipes and drums, began with Alexander’s oath of office, followed by rank promotions and induction of new firefighters to the department.
In addition to Alexander being sworn in, the honors and promotions were:
- Richie Lietz and Mike Magee – promoted from captains to battalion chiefs;
- Jules Bouckhuyt, Gregory Bunts, Shawn Sams, Jesse Blaire, McLean McCadden and Robert Simpson – promoted from fire equipment operators to captains;
- Tommie Taylor, Scott Cummings, Edward Munchel, Timothy Carver, Justin Clavier, David Snyder, and Vernest Alexander – promoted from firefighters to fire equipment operators; and
- Ryan Hill, Gavin Allen, Peterson Theophile, James Nall, Derek Martin and Zachery Buell – welcomed as new firefighters.
“This was an amazing ceremony highlighting how much of a family the fire service is within Ocala Fire Rescue,” said Alexander, regarding the event that brought together nearly 300 current and retired firefighters, their families, elected officials and senior leaders.