Honorable Mentions

Seniors find work at inaugural job fair 

More than 150 senior citizens attended the first-ever Seniors at Work Job Fair last week, giving many attendees the opportunity to start part time, full time or volunteer work the very next day.

The job fair, held at the Paddock Mall, was put on by the Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala to attract vendors from all industries to recruit eager older adults with opportunities tailored to their unique experiences and skills.

[Senior Resource Foundation]

Marion County officials unveiled a second branded SunTran bus as part of the “No Horsin’ Around with Marion” anti-litter campaign.

The black SunTran bus features the campaign’s mascots, Rubbish and Debrie the raccoons, to remind citizens not to litter and to keep Marion beautiful. The campaign introduced increased fines and enforcement to discourage the littering and dumping of trash.

[Marion County]

Ocala Fire Rescue’s Tommy Kemp was presented with a service award from the Ocala City Council on Tuesday to commemorate his 15 years of service to the department.

“Tommy Kemp, an Ocala native, was hired by Ocala Fire Rescue in March of 2009. During his 15 years of service with the Ocala Fire Rescue, he has worked his way through the ranks from firefighter EMT to fire equipment operator. Tommy currently serves at Fire Station 3, the ‘Brick City Beast’…protecting a historic downtown area. For his 15 years of service, I’d like to congratulate and thank Tommy Kemp,” said City Manager Pete Lee.

Roseanne Moreland celebrates 35 years with OFR

Ocala Fire Rescue’s Roseanne Moreland was presented with a service award from the Ocala City Council on Tuesday to commemorate her 35 years of service to the department.

Moreland serves as a fire captain paramedic on Engine 6. She holds degrees in both fire science and emergency medicine. In 1997, Moreland became the first female engine captain in the department’s history. She was also the department’s first accelerant canine handler and implemented the dog bite prevention program. She also serves as an adjunct instructor for the College of Central Florida’s criminal justice department.

“I’d like to thank the community for a wonderful career. I’ve been very blessed,” Moreland said. “My goal has always been to be a little light during somebody’s darkness, so I hope I can continue to shine and pass it on to the younger generation that we have as public servants because it’s not an easy job, but I appreciate it.”

Roseanne Moreland [Dave Miller]

Dwayne Drake celebrates 35 years with city of Ocala

The city of Ocala’s Dwayne Drake was presented with a service award from the Ocala City Council on Tuesday to commemorate his 35 years of service to the city.

A born and raised Ocala resident, Dwayne earned a degree in public service administration from the University of Central Florida and began his career in downtown development for the city of Ocala in 1989. He has spent much of his career working in the Recreation and Parks Department and has also served in the Public Works Department as the sanitation division head.

“I really am blessed to have been with the city for 35 years. I can’t promise I’ll be up here 40 years but I’m here for 35. I thank everyone for the opportunity to serve you. That’s what it is, just like (Roseanne) said before me. I appreciate the opportunity, not only for the service we provide, but truly the opportunity to work with some really wonderful people.”