There was an unusually large first responder presence during last week’s Oldsmar City Council meeting.
No, the building wasn’t on fire, and no, they weren’t there to cart Mayor Doug Bevis away for continuing to promote his belief that the Tampa Bay Rays could move to town someday.
The group of Oldsmar Fire Rescue personnel, led by Chief Dean O’Nale, was on hand on Tuesday, November 1, for the swearing-in of two new hires and the promotion of two employees to the rank of lieutenant, as well as to receive a special presentation.
“You probably all realize you’re probably sitting in one of the safest areas within a nine square-mile area,” Chief O’Nale quipped at the start of the ceremonies.
Following the swearing-in of Firefighter/EMT Justin Newland and Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Vidal, Chief O’Nale spoke briefly about the promotions of Lt. David Young and Lt. Brian Ludecker.
“Dave’s been with us since 2000, so he’s got 16 years in with Oldsmar Fire Rescue,” O’Nale said of Young. “He will be assuming the duties of Oldsmar 500, which is our EMS coordinator, with the retirement of Aaron Gonzalez.”
“Brian Ludecker…was actually a volunteer with Oldsmar Fire 20 years ago before working at Pasco County Fire for a few years before we were able to snag him back from Pasco County,” he continued, adding, “Brian’s been assigned to the ‘A’ shift.”
After family members pinned the appropriate badges on the new employees and everyone posed for an extra-large group photo, it was the chief’s turn to be on the receiving end of a special presentation.
Army veteran Mark Lynn, who in 2010 presented a Florida state and U.S. flag that had actually flown during Operation Iraqi Freedom combat missions to the City Council, was back on Tuesday to deliver another battle-tested version of the Stars & Stripes, this time to Chief O’Nale and the Oldsmar Fire Department.
Lynn explained to the council that after he redeployed in July 2011, he was sent to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, where he got a unique opportunity to honor his adopted hometown of Oldsmar, or more specifically, the city’s fire rescue crew.
“In 2014, I had been working closely with different people on post, one of them being the fire station, and I found out that they would take a US flag and fly it around throughout the day for 9 hours and 11 minutes, in rememberance of 9/11, for anyone back home that you wanted,” Lynn said.
“So I had one put together for our local fire department to show appreciation for everything you guys do for us,” he added. “Nobody appreciates them until they’re there to help you, usually, and I wanted to make sure I was out in front of that.”
Before handing the framed flag to Chief O’Nale, Lynn read the inscription aloud:
This American flag was carried with honor for the City of Oldsmar, Florida Fire Rescue Department Station 54. On the 5th of April, 2014, this flag was proudly carried by the crew members of Engine 4, Bagram Fire Department, Afghanistan, and bears witness to the protection provided to those defending the freedom of the United States of America. This flag was carried for 9 hours and 11 minutes during Operation Enduring Freedom. Never quit. Never abandon. Never leave behind. Engine 4.
Upon accepting the flag, Chief O’Nale thanked Lynn and promised him the item would be proudly and prominently displayed at the station.
“Mark, we appreciate the opportunity to have this, and I guarantee you we are going to have this in a place of honor at the fire station where you can see it 24/7/365. Thank you very much,” O’Nale said.
When the applause died down, Mayor Bevis commented as well.
“I’d just like to say, Mark, thank you, from the City of Oldsmar, for all the years of service that you gave over there and while you were risking your life,” Bevis said.
“Twice now, you thought of the city of Oldsmar and what it meant to you. So thank you very much.”
Longtime Council member Jerry Beverland, who has been outspoken in his support of the city’s emergency services personnel, then echoed Lynn’s thoughts.
“You never will really appreciate these guys till you need ’em,” an emotional Beverland, speaking from personal experience, said.
“They came to my house in 1980 when we needed them,” he continued. “They saved my son, who we lost nine months later.”
“You guys are the best.”
Related content:
- Oldsmar Fire Rescue Lt. Aaron Gonzalez retires after 30 years with the city
- Blood donors turn out in Oldsmar in wake of Orlando tragedy
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