Raymond Cortes‑Castillo arrived in Central Florida eight years ago with a nursing degree, two years of service in the Puerto Rico Fire Department, and a determination to build a better future for his family.
From hurricane relief to local hero
In 2017 he helped rescue residents after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. “When I went back to my house I started crying – the destruction was like a horror movie,” he recalled. The experience reshaped his outlook and sparked a desire to serve his new community in a deeper way.
Supported by his father’s encouragement – “Do it if you need what you need. I’m here” – Cortes‑Castillo enrolled in the emergency medical services program at Seminole State College in Sanford. The biggest obstacle was not the coursework but the language barrier; he entered the program with little English.
Learning English on the front lines
“It was hard because they want me to see in English since I’m going to work with people who speak English,” he said. “Most of them speak English, so they push me hard, but I thank them because that put me on the right way.” Long hours, intensive study and real‑world training forced him to master medical terminology and communication skills quickly.
His perseverance paid off. After earning his EMT certification, Cortes‑Castillo was sworn in as a firefighter with Oviedo Fire in July. “I sacrifice a lot, and I’m here because I deserve it. I work for what I have; nobody gives it to me,” he affirmed.
Representing a larger community
Beyond his personal achievement, Cortes‑Castillo sees his role as a beacon for other Spanish‑speaking residents. “It means a lot because I represent a huge community. Some people want to do the same, but the language barrier holds them back,” he explained.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, he offered a simple yet powerful message: “Just always believe in yourself. If you want to do it, just do it.” His story underscores the importance of family support, faith in one’s abilities, and the freedom to pursue the American Dream.
Local impact
Oviedo Fire Department welcomes the added cultural perspective and bilingual capability that Cortes‑Castillo brings to its ranks. Residents can look forward to a more inclusive emergency response team that reflects the diverse makeup of Central Florida.
Raymond’s journey from Puerto Rico’s fire stations to Oviedo’s fire trucks illustrates how determination, faith, and community backing can overcome obstacles and strengthen local public safety.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
