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Tag: West Manatee Fire Rescue District

WMFR honors outstanding staff members

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s staff and commissioners celebrated excellence in the district with their annual awards ceremony.

The ceremony, held Feb. 15 at the district’s administration building, celebrated the hard work and dedication of the fire district’s staff and first responders with their family, friends and co-workers in attendance.

Taking home awards for five years of service to the district were firefighters Frank Agresta, Clayton Lease and Andrew Powers. Powers also won WMFR’s Meritorious Service Award. Honored for 10 years of service with WMFR were Fire Inspector Josh Adkins, firefighter Robert Haygood and newly-promoted Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald. Recognized for 15 years of service to the district were firefighter John Balzer, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson and Lt. Andrew Lauricella. Taking home awards for 20 years of service at WMFR were Capt. Paul Hopkins and Lt. Daniel Tackett. Recognized for 25 years of service was Lt. Darren Vollmer.

The Rookie of the Year Award went to firefighter Gabriel Gonzalez, while Haygood won Firefighter of the Year. Hopkins took home the Officer of the Year Award.

Winning the first-ever Soteria Award was Fire Inspector Keith Miller. The Soteria Award, named for the Greek goddess of safety, deliverance and preservation from harm, was created by Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski with the support of Chief Ben Rigney to honor a firefighter or member of the district’s Fire Prevention Bureau who exemplifies one of the three qualities of Soteria. Every member of the district’s fire staff is eligible to win the award except the fire chief, deputy chief and fire marshal.

Miller took home the first Soteria Award for his dedication and uncompromising work with fire prevention to educate WMFR staff and the public about fire safety and work to help educate contractors about best practices to reduce false/nuisance alarm calls to district personnel over the past year.

Firefighter Andrew Powers was honored with a Meritorious Service Award along with an award for five years of service to the fire district. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Andrew Powers was honored with a Meritorious Service Award along with an award for five years of service to the fire district. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Clayton Lease took home an award for five years of service with WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Clayton Lease took home an award for five years of service with WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The audience at the WMFR administration building was packed with friends, family and district personnel for the annual awards ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The audience at the WMFR administration building was packed with friends, family and district personnel for the annual awards ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Lt. Daniel Tackett is recognized for his 20 years of service with WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Lt. Daniel Tackett is recognized for his 20 years of service with WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Frank Agresta’s five years of service with WMFR are recognized during the annual awards ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Frank Agresta’s five years of service with WMFR are recognized during the annual awards ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Commissioner George Harris congratulates Rookie of the Year Gabriel Gonzalez. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Commissioner George Harris congratulates Rookie of the Year Gabriel Gonzalez. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Gabriel Gonzalez wins WMFR’s Rookie of the Year Award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Gabriel Gonzalez wins WMFR’s Rookie of the Year Award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Deputy Chief Jay Johnson congratulates Officer of the Year recipient Capt. Paul Hopkins. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Deputy Chief Jay Johnson congratulates Officer of the Year recipient Capt. Paul Hopkins. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Capt. Paul Hopkins takes home the Officer of the Year Award for WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Capt. Paul Hopkins takes home the Officer of the Year Award for WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Robert Haygood is honored with a 10 years of service award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Robert Haygood is honored with a 10 years of service award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Robert Haygood takes home the Firefighter of the Year Award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Robert Haygood takes home the Firefighter of the Year Award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Fire Inspector Keith Miller won the newly christened Soteria Award but was unable to attend the awards ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Fire Inspector Keith Miller won the newly christened Soteria Award but was unable to attend the awards ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald is recognized for his 10 years of service with WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald is recognized for his 10 years of service with WMFR. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Chief Ben Rigney congratulates Deputy Chief Jay Johnson for his 15 years of service award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Chief Ben Rigney congratulates Deputy Chief Jay Johnson for his 15 years of service award. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Newcomer to WMFR, firefighter David Miller is sworn in during a Feb. 15 board of commissioners meeting. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Newcomer to WMFR, firefighter David Miller is sworn in during a Feb. 15 board of commissioners meeting. - Kristin Swain | Sun

WMFR staff celebrates four promotions

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – There was a festive atmosphere among the crowd gathered for West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s April board meeting as commissioners and staff celebrated the promotions of four firefighters.

Kicking off the celebrations were the promotions of firefighters Ashton Jasinski and Max Pollock from reserve to third-class firefighters with the district. These two promotions were especially touching for the gathered crowd because both men are legacy WMFR firefighters and both received their badges from their fathers.

First up was Pollock, who received his badge from his father Brett. Brett Pollock retired as the district’s deputy chief in January 2016. Max Pollock started off his career with the district more than two years ago as a reserve firefighter.

Next Jasinski was honored with his promotion to firefighter third-class and awarded his badge by his father, WMFR Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski.

“This is probably one of the proudest moments of my career,” Battalion Chief Jasinski said before hugging his son in congratulations in front of the assembled crowd.

Also celebrating a promotion with his family present was firefighter Frank Agresta. Agresta, who has been with the district for five years, was promoted to firefighter first-class.

Another firefighter celebrating during the April 20 district board meeting was Paul Hopkins who was promoted to captain after serving for four years with WMFR.

All of the promotions received a round of applause from the group of friends, family and district staff in attendance with WMFR’s commissioners and Chief Ben Rigney also offering a hearty congratulations to each firefighter.

Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski pins a badge on his son, firefighter Ashton Jasinski who was promoted from a reserve to firefighter third-class with West Manatee Fire Rescue District. - Submitted | WMFR

Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski pins a badge on his son, firefighter Ashton Jasinski who was promoted from a reserve to firefighter third-class with West Manatee Fire Rescue District. - Submitted | WMFR

Firefighter Max Pollock is congratulated on his promotion from reserve to firefighter third-class with WMFR by his father Brett, the district’s former deputy chief. - Submitted | WMFR

Firefighter Max Pollock is congratulated on his promotion from reserve to firefighter third-class with WMFR by his father Brett, the district’s former deputy chief. - Submitted | WMFR

Firefighter Frank Agresta celebrates his promotion to firefighter first-class with his wife pinning his new badge on his dress uniform. - Submitted | WMFR

Firefighter Frank Agresta celebrates his promotion to firefighter first-class with his wife pinning his new badge on his dress uniform. - Submitted | WMFR

The Jasinski family celebrates Ashton Jasinski’s promotion to firefighter third-class during an April board meeting at WMFR’s administration office. - Submitted | WMFR

The Jasinski family celebrates Ashton Jasinski’s promotion to firefighter third-class during an April board meeting at WMFR’s administration office. - Submitted | WMFR

Captain Paul Hopkins celebrates his promotion with his family after the promotion ceremony at WMFR. - Submitted | WMFR

Captain Paul Hopkins celebrates his promotion with his family after the promotion ceremony at WMFR. - Submitted | WMFR

Newly-promoted firefighter third-class Max Pollock celebrates the career milestone with his family. - Submitted | WMFR

Newly-promoted firefighter third-class Max Pollock celebrates the career milestone with his family. - Submitted | WMFR

WMFR Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski hugs his son Ashton after he was promoted to firefighter third-class with the district. - Submitted | WMFR

WMFR Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski hugs his son Ashton after he was promoted to firefighter third-class with the district. - Submitted | WMFR

Newly promoted Captain Paul Hopkins has his new badge pinned on him during an April 20 promotion ceremony at WMFR’s administration offices. - Submitted | WMFR

Newly promoted Captain Paul Hopkins has his new badge pinned on him during an April 20 promotion ceremony at WMFR’s administration offices. - Submitted | WMFR

Former WMFR Deputy Chief Brett Pollock pins a firefighter’s badge on his son, Max, April 20 during the fire district’s promotion ceremony. - Submitted |WMFR

Former WMFR Deputy Chief Brett Pollock pins a firefighter’s badge on his son, Max, April 20 during the fire district’s promotion ceremony. - Submitted |WMFR

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WMFR 2019-20 assessment rates set

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners held a public hearing May 21 to discuss the 2019-20 residential and commercial assessment rates. No members of the public offered comment, and commissioners approved a modest increase in rates with a four to one vote.

After being presented with five options ranging from a zero percent increase to a 2.5 percent increase, commissioners voted to adopt a 1.65 percent increase for residential properties and a 5 percent increase for commercial properties.

For residential property owners, the 1.65 increase equals a $3.09 increase in the base rate, increasing from $187.48 to $190.57. The rate per square foot, assessed on home square footage over 1,000 square feet, is being raised from $0.1106 to $0.1124. For a 2,000 square foot home, the total assessment is being raised from $298.08 to $303, a difference of $1.92.

Residential homes make up the majority of the properties in WMFR’s district, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Tampa Bay to the north, Longboat Key to the south and city of Bradenton to the east. The district includes unincorporated Manatee County, Palma Sola, Cortez, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

For commercial properties, the increase is slightly higher to bring WMFR’s commercial rates closer to those assessed by other Manatee County fire districts. The base rate is increasing from $451.07 to $473.62 for commercial properties, an increase of $22.55. The per square foot rate for buildings over 1,000 square feet is $0.2051, a $0.0098 increase for square footage over 1,000 square feet. The increase equals a $32.32 total increase for 2,000 square foot commercial properties.

With the increase in assessment rates, WMFR’s projected assessment revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal year is $7,285,989, a $144,203 increase over the current fiscal year.

Commissioner Al Robinson, who voted against the rate increase, said, “I think it’s insignificant in a $7.3 million dollar budget. We don’t need a raise.”

Commissioner George Harris said he was comfortable raising the commercial rates to get the district more in line with the surrounding districts but was happy to only give residents a minimal increase. “It’s nice to give the residents a little break,” he said.

With the rate increases, WMFR’s projected total revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal year is $7,618,556. The new fiscal year begins on October 1.

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WMFR board considers building construction

WMFR board considers building construction

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners are considering building a new administration building, and they’ve narrowed down potential lots to purchase to two thanks to the help of consultant Bob Gause.

During a May 21 work session, Gause presented commissioners with a report on four available lots that removed two of them from the running – one next door to the district’s temporary offices at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church and another adjacent to King Middle School. Gause said the lot adjacent to the church property is partially used for stormwater retention and wouldn’t be of sufficient size to house an administration building and necessary parking. With the Manatee County School Board unwilling to part with the King Middle School adjacent lot, that choice also was eliminated.

The two options left to commissioners are the old dentist office on Third Avenue across from the church property and an undeveloped lot behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center where Bealls is located on Manatee Avenue.

Commissioners asked Chief Tom Sousa and Chief Ben Rigney to continue looking into the two lots and meet with the owners or their Realtors to see what price the district could get each location for. The undeveloped lot behind the shopping center has frontage on 63rd Street and is 1.88 acres, priced at $295,000. Because the site is undeveloped, Gause said it would require the installation of a lift station and directional boring to gain access to sewer utilities.

The old dentist office site is smaller at 0.65 acres and is priced at $525,000, including the existing office building which would need to be torn down to accommodate a new administration building. The bonus of acquiring this lot, Rigney said, is that it might be possible to share a generator with the nearby WMFR Station 1 on 67th Street.

No matter which lot commissioners choose, the building they’re considering is planned to be a hardened building that could potentially serve as a westside emergency operations center in the event of a hurricane. If commissioners choose to build a hardened building, it could also be created to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

WMFR’s other two fire stations, Stations 2 and 3, are both in flood plains and would have to be evacuated in the event of a hurricane, leaving Station 1, and potentially the administration building, as the only places to store both response teams and equipment during a storm event and in the aftermath if the other two stations were damaged or inaccessible.

District resident Derek Warner stepped up to offer commissioners his opinion as a former fire chief. Warner was a part of a team that responded to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He and other first responders from around the country were the ones who orchestrated cleanups, rescues and investigations in a place that was foreign to them after the city’s first responders were scattered due to the storm.

“You have to think about who you want running your disaster – you or people like me who don’t know your situation or community,” he said.

Only a couple of stations and a few pieces of fire equipment in New Orleans survived the hurricane, he noted.

With first responders scattered and unable to respond to emergencies, Warner said the city had to rely on people who were just coming to New Orleans and didn’t have the knowledge that local emergency workers had.

“You want to be in on this,” Warner advised. “You want to be the decisionmakers.”

He encouraged commissioners to not only consider building a hardened structure but one large enough that it could accommodate fire crews, EMS crews, local law enforcement and provide additional areas to store supplies and equipment.

WMFR commissioners are currently considering building a structure around 5,000 square feet or less with the possibility of an additional warehouse-type structure to house additional fire equipment if necessary.

The administration building discussion will continue on June 18 at the next WMFR commission meeting.

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