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Tag: Sgt. Brett Getman

Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit is the MCSO Deputy of the Year for 2025.

Getman leads the Anna Maria Unit that provides the city’s contracted law enforcement services.

He earned the award for rescuing a distressed swimmer from the Gulf of Mexico off Bean Point in August.

The incident involved a 45-year-old man and his 15-year-old son.

Getman was among the MCSO deputies, employees and volunteers recognized for their exceptional service at the annual awards banquet held at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa on Dec. 5.

Deputy of the year

According to the press release distributed by the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 5, “On Aug. 9, Sergeant Brett Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman were conducting a beach patrol when they were suddenly flagged down to assist two individuals who were being swept away by the strong current and clearly in distress. Sergeant Getman saw two men struggling against the current, 100 yards or more from the shore. Recognizing their im­mediate danger, Sergeant Getman promptly advised dispatch to contact the Marine Unit, the Coast Guard and Beach Patrol.

“Understanding the risk of drowning they faced, he removed his gear and entered the water while Deputy Bowman stayed on the shore as a spotter. Sergeant Getman swam out to one of the men (the son), directing him to hold onto the float while keeping him alert. Together, they managed to swim back to the shore. When they reached the shore, Beach Patrol arrived and Sergeant Getman instructed them to take their board and assist the other individual (the father) who was still in the water trying to stay afloat. Ul­timately, the second individual was rescued by Beach Patrol and the MCSO Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina, where EMS met them. Both individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. In acknowledgment of his quick thinking, decisive actions, and willingness to risk his own life to save another, Sergeant Brett Getman has been named MCSO’s 2025 Deputy of the Year.”

The father passed away the following day.

The water rescue that Getman partici­pated in was one of multiple water rescues that occurred around that same time and led city officials to impose a Bean Point no-swim zone that was later discarded in favor of signs that warn swimmers of the risks of swimming there.

When contacted by The Sun on Dec. 5, Getman said, “I am honored yet humbled to receive the recognition for Deputy of the Year and the reason for the award. Since my heart attack in 2022, I have always felt there’s a reason for me to be here. Even though it’s disheartening for me personally that I couldn’t save both people that day, I won’t ever forget what Deputy Bowman and I did to try and save both lives. I appreciate the recognition by Sheriff Wells and my peers at the Sheriff’s Office.”

Additional award winners

MCSO Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres received the Employee of the Year 2025 award for the life-saving CPR assistance he provided to an automobile accident victim in May while driving home from work.

Dep. Daniel Ensign and Resource Assistance Case Manager Wanda Alejandre received the 2025 MCSO Bealls Humanitar­ian Award for the ongoing assistance they provided to a homeless veteran that they persuaded to pursue treatment for his alcoholism through a Salvation Army program that resulted in him being admit­ted to an assisted living facility where he remained until his health declined.

MCSO volunteer Coralee Garrison received the Robert & Dan E. Molter Memo­rial Volunteer Award. Garrison, a 10-year MCSO volunteer, is currently assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit that patrols neighborhoods and shopping centers. In the past year, she also participated in 10 health fairs and was twice featured in public service announcements about scams directed at senior citizens. She also organized and coordinated a Sheriff’s Office community outreach event, serves on the MCSO Employment Eligibility Board and as of Dec. 5 contributed 127 volunteer hours this year.

Getman honored for Bean Point water rescue

Getman honored for Bean Point water rescue

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman, leader of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit, received the deputy of the month award for his role in the recent rescue of two swimmers at Bean Point. His actions also earned him an MCSO Life Saving Award.

An Oct. 10 media release issued by the sheriff’s office details the rescue efforts.

“On Aug. 9, Sergeant Brett Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman were conducting a beach patrol when they were suddenly flagged down to assist two individuals who were being swept away by the strong current and clearly in distress. Sergeant Getman saw two men struggling against the current, 100 yards or more from the shore. Recognizing their immediate danger, Sergeant Getman promptly advised dispatch to contact the Marine Unit, the Coast Guard and Beach Patrol,” the media release says.

“Understanding the risk of drowning they faced, he removed his gear and entered the water while Deputy Bow­man stayed on the shore as a spotter. Sergeant Getman swam out to one of the men, directing him to hold onto the float while keeping him alert. Together, they managed to swim back to the shore. When they reached the shore, Beach Patrol arrived and Sergeant Getman instructed them to take their board and assist the other individual who was still in the water trying to stay afloat. Ultimately, the second individual was rescued by Beach Patrol and the MCSO Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina, where EMS met them. Both individu­als were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment,” according to the media release. “In acknowledgment of his quick thinking, decisive actions and willingness to risk his own life to save another, Sergeant Brett Getman has been named MCSO’s Deputy of the Month for September 2025.”

The Aug. 9 events and a fatal Bean Point drowning later that month were among the recent swimming-related incidents that led Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and the city commission to enact a short-lived no swimming zone at Bean Point. Due to enforcement concerns, the ‘no swim’ zone was discontinued. Signs placed along the Bean Point shoreline now warn swim­mers of the dangerous currents and inform them that they swim at their own risk with no lifeguards present.

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – For their dedication and service during and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Sgt. Brett Getman and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputies Edward Aleppo, Matt Daugherty, Michael Lesselroth, James McDermott Jr., JoAnn Parkinson and Adam Resnick were honored as the deputies of the month for March.

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short recognized and praised Getman and the Anna Maria Unit deputies during the May 8 city commission meeting, with Getman accompanied by Lt. John Wren.

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, left, praised Sgt. Brett Getman, center, and his deputies, with Lt. John Wren, right. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Short read aloud the proclamation-like media release provided by the Sheriff’s Office and dated March 25.

“In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Anna Maria Island, several deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Island Unit went above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating exceptional bravery, leadership and commitment to the community,” Short said.

“Hurricane Helene caused significant storm surge, leaving nearly every business and residence on the Island damaged. The city was without power for two days, and cellular service, email, and text communication were unavailable, isolating residents. Roads were flooded, damaged and largely impassable. Amid these challenging conditions, Sgt. Brett Getman, Dep. Edward Aleppo, Dep. Matt Daugherty, Dep. Michael Lesselroth, Dep. James McDermott Jr., Dep. JoAnn Parkinson and Dep. Adam Resnick showed extraordinary dedication to serving the community.

“Before the storm made landfall, Sgt. Getman demonstrated exceptional leadership by preparing ahead of time and coordinating relief efforts. He ensured that essential equipment was properly secured and that his team was ready to face the challenges. His planning allowed the deputies to act swiftly and effectively once the storm had passed,” Short said.

“After the storm, each deputy volunteered to work overtime, sacrificing time with their own families to serve the residents of Anna Maria Island. They responded to numerous calls for service, often putting their safety at risk by traversing through high waters and navigating severely damaged infrastructure. Many homes were inaccessible, yet the deputies pressed forward, checking on stranded individuals and ensuring their well-being.

“One of the most significant contributions they made was re-establishing communication between families. With cellular service down, families off the Island had no way of knowing the status of their loved ones. The deputies went door to door, checking on residents and relaying critical information to concerned family members. This act of compassion and service helped bring peace of mind to many who were left in the dark during a time of crisis.

“For their bravery, leadership and unwavering commitment during and after Hurricane Helene, Sgt. Brett Getman, Dep. Edward Aleppo, Dep. Matt Daugherty, Dep. Michael Lesselroth, Dep. James McDermott, Dep. JoAnn Parkinson, and Dep. Adam Resnick have been named Deputies of the Month for March 2025,” Short said in conclusion.

After receiving a warm round of applause, Getman said, “Thank you, mayor. Thank you, commissioners.”

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life

Deputy helps save sergeant’s life

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman is recovering from a heart attack he suffered while on duty on Dec. 19 and he credits Deputy Jared Leggett and others for saving his life.

Getman has led the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit since January 2020. Leggett transferred to the Anna Maria Unit in early December.

On Tuesday, Jan. 3, Getman and Leggett spoke during a press conference held at Anna Maria City Hall and organized by the Sheriff’s Office in response to press inquiries from The Sun and Fox 13 Tampa Bay.

Also in attendance were Getman’s mother, Vicki Getman, his father, Ron Getman, his daughter, Abbey Getman, his sister, Amy Lock and his brother-in-law, Keith Lock, who serves as a Manatee County EMS district chief. Getman’s daughters Sophia and Savannah were unable to attend.

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life
Family members Ron Getman, Vicki Getman, Abbey Getman, Amy Lock and Keith Lock joined Sgt. Brett Getman (center) at the press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Tampa-based American Heart Association Communications Director Johnny Johnson also attended the media event that coincidentally occurred the morning after NFL player Damar Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest during the nationally televised Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals football game.

“On Dec. 19th, around 10:30 in the morning, we got a call for a trespassing complaint. We located the subject on the beach and made the arrest,” Getman said.

The alleged criminal activity occurred at an unlocked vacation rental home at 806 North Shore Drive. The incident sheet names 26-year-old Devon Keith Guidry as the alleged offender and lists unarmed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling as the alleged offense. Getman said he located the suspect on the beach near Magnolia Avenue.

“We’ve had issues with the same subject before but we hadn’t been able to pinpoint him at a location. He was going into unlocked vacation rentals. We’ve stressed to the rental companies that their cleaners and other contractors need to lock the doors when they leave,” Getman said.

“I came back to the office (in the city hall building) and started doing my report. I was sitting at the desk typing and everything just went black. Thank God Deputy Leggett was in the office with me. If he wasn’t there, I would not be here. The medics treated me quickly and transported me to Blake Medical Center (HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton).”

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life
Deputy Jared Leggett visited Sgt. Brett Getman at the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. – Amy Lock | Submitted

Getman referred to his heart attack as a “widowmaker” – the type of heart attack that occurs when the heart’s largest artery is blocked.

When asked how he felt, Get- man said, “I’m doing OK. I’m sticking to the advice of my doctors and doing what they tell me. It’s cliché to say it’s a true blessing, but that’s exactly what it is. I have a second chance at this life. I know that I have something more to give and something more that I have to provide for my children. I wasn’t meant to go yet.”

When asked when he might return to work, Getman said, “It’s up to the doctors. There’s no timetable right now for a return.”

Lt. Lou Licata is currently in charge of the Anna Maria Unit.

Leggett’s actions

“We do a lot of our reports in our cars. On this day, I went back to the office,” Leggett said. “We started having a conversation about what we were going to charge the defendant with. Just after we finished our conversation, he (Getman) fell out of his chair. At first, I thought he was having a seizure. I checked for a pulse. He didn’t have one. I started CPR immediately and started doing chest compressions. On the desk where he sits was the AED (defibrillator). I grabbed the AED after two rounds of CPR. I hit the shock button and gave him his first round and started CPR again. About five or six minutes in, Sgt. Tommy Fraser from the Holmes Beach Police Department showed up and was able to relieve me on CPR so I could go get a VBM (breathing device) and start working on his airway. I had one in my truck.”

Leggett was a firefighter and an EMT before joining the sheriff’s office nearly 11 years ago and Keith Lock was one of his EMT instructors.

“It all kind of goes full circle,” Leggett said. “Sgt. Getman is a perfect example of how important CPR is. If you have the opportunity to learn CPR and AED usage it could save a life. I’ve done CPR on other individuals, but this is my sergeant, my supervisor, my friend I’m trying to save. I’m grateful he’s still here with us.”

While being transported to the hospital, Getman received a police escort through the Holmes Beach detours.

“I thank God for Deputy Leggett and Sgt. Fraser. I also want to thank West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS. And my surgeon Dr. Baig was phenomenal. I remember talking to him and saying, ‘Don’t let me die. I have my kids.’ I want to thank everybody for their love and support,” Getman said.

Regarding Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest, Getman said, “Obviously, it got my attention. It’s more personal now when I see anything like that.”

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life

Deputy Jared Leggett and Sgt. Brett Getman shared a hug after their press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Heart Association

“It’s an amazing story. Everything happened the exact way it’s supposed to,” Johnson said of Getman’s close call. “We want to tell people that CPR is easier than you think. You only need to know two steps: call 911 and then push hard and push fast until help arrives. There’s no liability risk for trying to save somebody’s life. Good Samaritan laws will protect you. Contact the American Heart Association at Heart.org and we can help you find CPR training, and you can learn hands-only CPR in two minutes with the video at our website. We encourage everyone to feel comfortable performing CPR.”

Family thoughts

Vicki Getman said, “I think God has something else planned for Brett and our family had our miracle at Christmas. He’s only 48 years old. He’s too young. The doctor at Blake was absolutely wonderful.”

Ron Getman said, “We’re just so happy that Jared was available to save our son’s life. Had he not been there, we would’ve had a funeral instead of a Christmas celebration.”