Firefighter/Paramedic Gonzalez embodies everything that Oakland Fire Department represents as a dedicated and consummate professional, said Reginald Freeman, Oakland s fire chief. I am thankful for his many contributions to our city, organization, and the collective fire service and equally thankful for him representing OFD at the White House. He makes us proud every single day.
Sunday s celebration, on the South Lawn of the White House, will include more than 1,000 first responders, essential workers, military service members and their families from around the nation. I am honored and humbled to have been selected to represent the dedicated firefighters working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gonzalez said. This pandemic has hit local communities extremely hard, and I am proud to represent our department and the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters who have worked hard to ensure vulnerable populations have access to COVID testing, vaccinations, and o