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OCFR celebrates EMS Appreciation Week

Special to Lake Okeechobee News

Posted 5/22/26

This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate EMS Appreciation Week — a time to honor the dedicated paramedics and EMTs who answer the call every single day.

To the …

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OCFR celebrates EMS Appreciation Week

Posted Friday, May 22, 2026 1:33 pm

Special to Lake Okeechobee News

OKEECHOBEE — This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate EMS Appreciation Week — a time to honor the dedicated paramedics and EMTs who answer the call every single day.

To the men and women of our department: thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and commitment to serving our community. Whether responding to life-threatening emergencies, providing comfort during difficult moments, or standing ready at all hours, your work makes a difference far beyond what most people ever see.

EMS is more than a profession — it is a calling. Our crews routinely face challenging situations with courage, skill, and heart, and I could not be more proud of the team we have here.

On behalf of the department and the community we serve, thank you for your sacrifices, your long hours, and your unwavering dedication to helping others.

Please join me in showing appreciation for our EMS personnel this week and every week.

— Chief Justin Hazellief

[Photos courtesy OCFR]

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