From David Volz
On Wednesday, May 7, the City of Oakland Park Fire Department welcomed Mayor Lonergan, the City Commission, community members, and fire rescue personnel to Fire Station 9 for a heartfelt evening celebrating service, tradition, and progress.
The program began with the official swearing-in of Chief Gregory May as the City’s new Division Chief of Training. Chief May joined Oakland Park in 2024, bringing with him over two decades of experience from the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department. The ceremony paid tribute to his leadership, professional dedication, and deep commitment to public safety in Oakland Park. Attendees then took part in a powerful and historic fire service ritual: the cleaning, blessing, and ceremonial “push-in” of three new emergency vehicles—a Battalion Chief vehicle, a rescue truck, and a quint ladder truck. The “push-in” tradition, which dates back over 250 years, honors the arrival of new apparatus and reflects the department’s preparedness and unity.
Oakland Park is transforming and residents will soon see improvements in the city. With more than $130 million invested in parks, public spaces, and infrastructure improvements over the past five years, the City is rolling out an ambitious slate of projects to make neighborhoods greener, safer, and more connected than ever before. From new trails to more resilient streets and modern community spaces, exciting progress is underway across the city, including upgrades coming to City Centennial Park, Royal Palm Park, Stevens Field, and Veterans Park
