EAST LAKE- Lt. Mark Teolis was promoted to the rank of District Chief at the Regular Board of Fire Commissioners meeting Tuesday, December 22, 2009.  The ceremony was held at East Lake Fire Station #57 located at 3375 Tarpon Lake Blvd. Palm Harbor, FL.

     Teolis was born in Chicago and grew up in the North West suburbs and now lives in Odessa with his wife, Karen and son, John.  Teolis contributes his working at Jewel Food Stores and owning his own Martial Arts School to gaining knowledge for customer service. 

     In his 17 year career with the East Lake Fire Department Teolis has achieved many accomplishments which include: Currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer’s Program (post graduate 4 yr. program), completed Associate degree in Fire Science, Bachelor degree in Public Administration, Fire Investigator, Fire Service Instructor, Fire Safety Inspector, Paramedic, CPR Instructor and HAM radio operator.  He also served as an Adjunct Instructor for St. Petersburg College and has developed and instructed many in house training programs.

     In 2005, Teolis took a special interest in developing the East Lake Community Emergency Response Team (ELCERT).  He currently serves as the lead instructor and the liaison for the East Lake Fire Department.  Fire Chief Jeff Malzone stated, “Mark Teolis has worked very hard, served in many key roles in the Department, and has earned his rank of District Chief.”