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Pinellas Park swears in three firefighters and honors long-serving staff
Summary
The Pinellas Park City Council swore in three new firefighters and presented service awards to long-serving fire and public works employees, highlighting recruitment, training achievements and multi-decade careers.
The Pinellas Park City Council opened its meeting by recognizing new and long-serving municipal employees. Three new firefighters—Sean Reese, Derek “Tate” Tordowski and Christina Hamm—were introduced and sworn in during a ceremonial presentation that highlighted their training and prior experience.
Sean Reese, who previously worked in Public Works and served as a fire services technician while completing EMT and fire academy training, was described as a recently appointed firefighter. Derek Tordowski, introduced as “Tate,” came up through the city’s explorer/cadet program and was hired as a recruit in August 2024 while finishing fire academy. Christina Hamm, a recent graduate of St. Pete College’s fire academy and a recipient of multiple academy awards, was recruited to the department after staff reviewed her training records.
Council and staff also presented long-service awards. Lieutenant Christopher T. Riley received a plaque honoring 30 years of service, with remarks citing his role in training, membership on the HAZMAT team and union leadership. Vincent T. “Vinny” Williams was recognized for 35 years of service in public works, and Lieutenant Timothy W. Brooks was honored for 25 years with the fire department; Brooks thanked colleagues and family in brief remarks.
The mayor and staff encouraged community recognition of the employees’ service and invited family members to join for photos. The ceremony concluded as the council moved on to the formal agenda.
The council recessed the ceremonial recognition and proceeded to the formal business portion of the meeting.
