On a memorable Monday, June 24th, 2024, Jaco Pastorius Park was alive with pride and honor as Oakland Park Fire Rescue hosted its annual awards and commendation ceremony. The event kicked off with a stirring presentation of the nation's colors by the Black Pearl Pipes and Drums band alongside the Oakland Park Fire Rescue honor guard. City officials joined fire department employees, their families, and special civilian guests to celebrate the occasion.
Two standout civilians were honored for their heroic actions: Chris Scanlon received the Civilian Life Saving Award for expertly performing the Heimlich maneuver on his grandmother, saving her life. Patrick Sullivan Jr. earned the Civilian Honorable Service Award for bravely removing a burning boat from his family's warehouse, preventing a potential disaster.
The ceremony was a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of our community members and firefighters. Highlights included the presentation of 15-unit citations and nine department commendations for various heroic deeds. These included saving the life of a basketball player who collapsed at Northeast High School, resuscitating a two-year-old child who was drowning in a pool, rescuing a passenger from a canal after a car crash, and reviving a 63-year-old man who had collapsed on a treadmill at the gym.
Lieutenant Matthew Amundson was named Firefighter of the Year for his unwavering dedication and professionalism. Assistant Chiefs John Preston and Marc Vermont received the prestigious Fire Chief’s Award, chosen by Fire Chief Steve Krivjanik, for their outstanding work, dedication, and team-building efforts.
This heartfelt ceremony highlighted the incredible and often life-changing incidents that occur regularly in Oakland Park. It was a fitting tribute to the exceptional service and unwavering commitment of the men and women of Oakland Park Fire Rescue, who consistently go above and beyond to protect and serve our community.
Let's celebrate and honor these heroes who make Oakland Park a safer and better place every day!