MANATEE COUNTY – Emergency response will always define the fire service in moments of crisis. But our responsibility to the community extends far beyond those moments. It includes helping create the conditions where children are safe, supported and able to flourish.
At West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) that commitment is reflected not only in responding to emergencies, but in working every day to prevent them. Through community risk reduction initiatives, drowning prevention, autism awareness, car seat inspections and installation assistance, fire and life safety programs and public outreach, our personnel invest thousands of hours each year helping to make our community safer. Yet some of our most meaningful work happens away from the flashing lights and emergency scenes.
For the past several summers, WMFR has been honored to partner with the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County in its summer literacy program. Over the past three weeks, our personnel and Fire Commissioners Dana Tindall, Billy Burke and Derrick Warner visited childcare centers throughout our district to read with young children and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
Reading a book may seem far removed from the work of a fire department, but the mission is the same: investing in a stronger future. Literacy opens doors, builds confidence and helps children reach their full potential. Supporting children in this way is another way we fulfill our mission of serving the community.
Colleen Hartnett, community education initiatives coordinator for the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, said, “This partnership provides children with more than an opportunity to hear a story. When firefighters and fire commissioners visit our classrooms, the children build positive relationships with trusted role models who serve and protect our community. West Manatee Fire Rescue has been a committed partner for years, and ELC is extremely fortunate to have partnered with them.”
Our investment in children extends beyond the classroom. Through Bigs with Badges, a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, WMFR personnel have spent the past several years mentoring local youth. These relationships provide encouragement, stability and positive role models during some of the most formative years of a child’s life. While the impact of mentoring cannot always be measured as easily as emergency response statistics, its value to a community is immeasurable.
WMFR Fire Commissioner Billy Burke participated in the summer literacy program. – WMFR | Submitted
Protecting a community is about more than responding when someone’s worst day arrives. It is also about helping create an environment for children to learn, grow and succeed, because communities flourish when children flourish. Whether teaching water safety, reading a story, mentoring a young person or responding to an emergency, each represents a commitment to the same mission: serving our community.
Public safety begins long before someone dials 911. By investing in the next generation today, we help build a stronger, safer and more resilient community for tomorrow.
BRADENTON – Five days after fighting for his life following a near-drowning incident at a northwest Bradenton vacation rental home, 7-year-old Lucas Parks sat smiling behind the desk of West Manatee Fire Rescue’s battalion chief.
Wearing a firefighter helmet and a smile from ear to ear, Lucas looked every bit at home. For WMFR firefighters, it was a sight we will never forget.
Lucas Parks, 7, sits behind the battalion chief’s desk after being named honorary battalion chief for the day. – WMFR | Submitted
On June 7, WMFR and Manatee County EMS responded to a reported near-drowning involving 7-year-old Lucas in northwest Bradenton, while he and his family were visiting from Pennsylvania. Thanks to the quick actions of family members and first responders, Lucas was transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where he received further care and treatment. Two days later, Lucas walked out of the hospital.
On Friday morning, June 12, Lucas and his family visited West Manatee Fire Rescue Station 1 in Bradenton to personally thank firefighters who dedicate their lives to serving our community. For the members of West Manatee Fire Rescue, it was a reminder of why we do what we do.
Emergency responders are often invited into people’s lives during their most difficult moments. We respond when families are experiencing fear, uncertainty and crisis. While first responders train extensively for those moments, we rarely have the opportunity to see the final chapter of the story. This week, we did.
Seeing Lucas healthy, smiling and full of energy was a gift to everyone who met him. His visit transformed a near-drowning incident report into a success story and provided a powerful reminder that behind every emergency call is a person, a family and a future worth fighting for.
As we celebrate Lucas’ recovery, his story also serves as an important reminder about water safety. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children. Constant adult supervision, appointing designated “Water Watchers,” placing barriers around pools and providing children with swimming lessons remain critical layers of protection that can help prevent similar incidents from occurring.
For Lucas’ family, this week was an opportunity to express their gratitude. For West Manatee Fire Rescue, it was an opportunity to witness the outcome we pray for every time the alarm tones go off. A week ago, our crews met Lucas on the worst day of his young life. This week, we met him again on one of the best. And for everyone at West Manatee Fire Rescue, it was a reunion we will never forget.
MANATEE COUNTY – Over three days, fire agencies across Manatee County came together for an intensive, hands-on training event hosted by the West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR).
The training brought together personnel from multiple departments, reinforcing a key principle of modern emergency response: no agency operates alone.
The training sessions took place on April 21, 22, and 23 at WMFR Station 2, at 10350 Cortez Road West.
The participating departments included East Manatee Fire Rescue, Parrish Fire Rescue, North River Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, the Bradenton Fire Department, Longboat Key Fire Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue.
Left, Cedar Hammock Medical Officer Doug Brett (right) oversaw WMFR Firemedics Matt Joseph, Casey Fischbach and Dane Miller as they performed advanced patient care training. – WMFR | Submitted
The training sessions emphasized real-world, scenario-based learning. Crews worked side by side in multi-company drills designed to simulate complex emergencies.
Firefighters advanced hose lines into simulated fire environments, forced entry into secured structures, conducted search and rescue operations and performed advanced vehicle extrication.
Emergency medical personnel simultaneously practiced patient packaging and advanced life support interventions under realistic conditions.
WMFR firefighters conducted a coordinated rescue and patient care scenario, providing simultaneous attention to both pediatric and adult patients during a realistic multi-victim training evolution. – WMFR | Submitted
Beyond the technical skills, the training fostered something equally important: interoperability. When agencies train together, they build trust, improve communication and develop a shared understanding of tactics and expectations. These elements are critical during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional incidents, where seamless coordination can directly impact outcomes.
When asked about the value of such training, WMFR Training Chief Mark Tuttle said, “These multi-company drills push our personnel to perform at a high level under realistic conditions. It’s not just about individual skills; it’s also about how effectively we work together across agencies. That’s what makes the difference on the fireground.”
WMFR Training Chief Mark Tuttle and Parrish Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Tim Gajan reviewed the training plans and coordinated the multi-agency exercises. – WMFR | Submitted
The multi-day exercise stands as a strong example of the commitment shared by Manatee County fire agencies to invest in their people and continuously improve service delivery. Through training like this, firefighters are better prepared, response efforts are more efficient, and the community is safer as a result.
BRADENTON – Volunteers moved door to door throughout the Mount Vernon 55+ condominium community in west Bradenton on Saturday, Feb. 21, with ladders in hand and a shared mission: protecting lives through prevention.
Coordinated by West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) in partnership with the American Red Cross, volunteers installed 232 smoke alarms in 87 homes in one of WMFR’s largest senior communities.
Xavier Reeves, community disaster program manager for the American Red Cross, was joined by American Red Cross volunteers, WMFR Prevention Bureau staff, members of Bayside Community Church (West Bradenton Campus) and roughly a dozen members of the West Manatee Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 2546), who volunteered their day to help install smoke alarms and provide fire and life safety education.
The Sound the Alarm initiative is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign – a nationwide effort aimed at reducing home fire deaths and injuries by providing free smoke alarms and fire prevention education.
According to the National Fire Protection Association:
• Three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.
• The risk of dying in a reported home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
For older adults, early warning can be especially critical as mobility limitations and medical conditions may slow escape time during an emergency.
When asked about the initiative’s broader impact, Reeves said, “This initiative is about more than installing devices; it’s about protecting lives and building resilience within the community. When volunteers, faith partners and firefighters stand shoulder-to-shoulder like this, we’re creating safer homes and stronger neighborhoods.”
Firefighter/Paramedic David Miller of WMFR and Local 2546 said the event reflects a broader commitment within today’s fire service.
“Our firefighters are always ready to respond when someone calls 911,” Miller said. “But the true success story is when a smoke alarm activates early and a family gets out safely, or when a tragedy is prevented altogether. Installing working smoke alarms is a layer of protection and one of the most effective steps we can take to protect our residents, especially our seniors.”
Volunteers moved house-to-house throughout the day installing alarms, testing existing units and reviewing home fire escape plans with residents.
By day’s end, 232 new layers of protection had been added across the Mt. Vernon community, a powerful reminder that public safety is strongest when it begins at home.
Effective public safety does not begin when an emergency occurs; it begins long before, through planning, prevention, leadership and accountability.
In 2025, West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) experienced a year of independent recognition that offers the community a clear view into how its fire department is structured, led and supported across all levels of service.
Both of Florida’s fire service professional associations – the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) and the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) – recognized WMFR leadership during the same year. These honors were peer-driven, statewide recognitions based on performance, impact and contribution to the fire service.
FFCA and FFMIA named WMFR’s Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski as the Florida Fire Marshal of the Year. FFCA also recognized Deputy Chief Jay Johnson as the Florida Executive Fire Officer of the Year and Fire Inspector Josh Adkins as the Florida Fire Inspector of the Year.
While each award highlights individual achievement, taken together they reflect something broader: an organization functioning at the highest level.
Fire prevention and community risk reduction form the foundation of modern public safety. Recognition of the Fire Marshal of the Year reflects sustained efforts to reduce risk before emergencies occur through engineering, education, enforcement, community risk assessment, risk reduction programming and collaboration with community partners.
This work plays a critical role in protecting lives and property while contributing to long-term economic stability. Effective prevention is not reactive; it is deliberate, data-informed and integrated into broader organizational strategic planning.
Prevention alone, however, is not sufficient without strong executive leadership to support it. Executive leadership in public safety includes operational readiness, workforce development and organizational accountability. The Executive Fire Officer of the Year award recognizes leadership that aligns training, staffing and response capabilities with the evolving needs of the community. Exceptional operations leadership ensures that when emergencies do occur, personnel are prepared, systems function as intended and services are delivered consistently and safely.
Behind these recognitions is an organizational leadership philosophy that emphasizes trust, accountability and professional autonomy. WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney has focused on assembling qualified leaders, setting clear expectations and allowing those leaders to carry out their responsibilities. This approach has enabled prevention and operations to function collaboratively rather than in isolation, producing sustained results rather than one-time successes.
That leadership philosophy is ultimately reflected in the work that occurs every day in neighborhoods, businesses and public spaces. The Fire Inspector of the Year award highlights the impact of professional, consistent fieldwork that translates policy and standards into tangible safety outcomes. Public education, inspections and other safety compliance efforts often receive little public attention, yet they remain essential to protecting lives and property.
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski is the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association’s 2025 Florida Fire Marshal of the Year.
The award was presented to Kwiatkowski during the opening ceremony of the 77th Annual Florida Fire Prevention Conference on Nov. 3 at the Coral Springs Marriott.
“This award celebrates Kwiatkowski’s exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing fire and life safety both locally and statewide,” the WMFR press release says.
The press release notes the distinguished honor was bestowed upon Kwiatkowski by his peers and the award is regarded as “one of the highest professional recognitions in Florida’s fire service community.”
Kwiatkowski will also be recognized by the Division of State Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia during the 2026 Florida legislative session in Tallahassee. As a tribute to this achievement, Kwiatkowski’s name will be permanently engraved on a trophy displayed in the rotunda of the Florida State Fire College as a lasting symbol of excellence and service to the profession.
Fire Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski helped launch WMFR’s mandatory vacation rental inspection program in 2023. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In the press release, WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney said, “Rodney’s leadership has elevated our prevention and community risk-reduction programs to statewide prominence. His recognition as Fire Marshal of the Year reflects not only his dedication but the professionalism and teamwork of everyone at West Manatee Fire Rescue.”
The press release notes that under Kwiatkowski’s direction, WMFR has implemented data-driven Community Risk Reduction initiatives, enhanced short-term rental fire safety programs and expanded public education outreach, earning statewide and national recognition for measurable improvements in community safety. And those achievements “underscore WMFR’s ongoing dedication to excellence in engineering, education and enforcement – the core values that continue to define the district’s fire and life safety mission.”
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” Kwiatkowski said in the press release. “It’s truly a career milestone and a reflection of the collective commitment of our WMFR team to protect lives and property through innovation, collaboration and service. I am grateful to Chief Rigney for his continued support, my peers and the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association for this incredible recognition.”
BRADENTON – C&D Properties of AMI has not appealed a judge’s ruling in favor of the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District’s (WMFR) right to levy annual assessments on short-term vacation rental properties at a higher commercial rate rather than a lower residential rate.
The 2024 lawsuit pertained to two condo units 101 67th St. in Holmes Beach owned by C&D Properties. On May 22, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas issued his written order in favor of WMFR, followed by his final order on May 29. C&D Properties then had 30 days to file an appeal and did not.
On July 2, WMFR issued a written statement that addressed the lawsuit.
“The West Manatee Fire and Rescue District has prevailed on all counts in a legal challenge brought by a short-term residential property owner over the district’s higher non-ad valorem assessment rates for such properties. The plaintiff did not appeal the ruling and the appeal period has now expired,” according to the statement. “The plaintiff argued that the district’s imposition of a higher ‘commercial’ assessment rate on short-term vacation rental properties was an unlawful regulation and preempted by Florida Statutes. The court rejected those claims, upholding the district’s authority to increase assessments based on property usage – particularly where such use demands higher service levels and resource allocation from the fire department.
“Florida’s Fire Prevention Code requires elevated life safety standards, inspections and enforcement from fire departments for short-term rentals compared to traditional single-family residential properties. The court confirmed the district lawfully applied its special assessment powers to equitably apportion costs among properties requiring more extensive fire and safety services,” according to the statement.
The statement notes the higher commercial rate is also applied to residentially-zoned assisted living facilities and daycare centers that are also subject to stricter fire code standards.
“Importantly, the court found that the district’s assessments did not constitute a regulation and did not prohibit or limit vacation rental operations, nor regulate the duration or frequency of such rentals,” according to the statement.
“The Fire Commission has never opposed short-term vacation rentals within the district,” Fire Chief Ben Rigney said in the statement. “The Fire Commission believes property owners have the right to choose how they use their homes. However, if they opt to operate a vacation rental, they should bear the additional costs for the inspections and life safety enforcement required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code.”
WMFR is an independent special fire control district that operates three fire stations and serves Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and the unincorporated areas of Cortez, Palma Sola and northwest Bradenton.
ANNA MARIA – A 15-year-old golf cart passenger suffered traumatic head and chest injuries after being ejected from a golf cart at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Spring Avenue in Anna Maria last night at approximately 7:45 p.m.
When dispatched to the scene, West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) personnel found a 15-year-old female patient lying on her left side in front of a golf cart, according to the WMFR report.
“Golf cart had no damage noted,” according to the report. “Driver of the golf cart states she was going 5-10 mph when she went to turn and her friend rolled out of the golf cart and fell onto the road. Patient was a 15-year-old female. She was initially alert to person, place and event, able to answer question between breaths, but she was spitting up blood and did not have a patent airway.”
The patient was stabilized, placed on a backboard, placed onto a stretcher and moved to an ambulance. WMFR personnel helped establish IV access and set up intubation and fluid administration, according to the report.
The patient was sedated, intubated and transported to the helicopter landing zone at City Field in Holmes Beach, where Aeromed arrived, assumed treatment and transported the patient to Tampa General Hospital.
HOLMES BEACH – The West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) has prevailed in a lawsuit disputing its ability to assess commercial fees on vacation rentals.
Filed last year by Holmes Beach-based C&D Properties of AMI LLC against WMFR, the suit lists local realtor Lawrence (Larry) Chatt as its manager and owner. Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas presided over the case.
The 2024 lawsuit complaint filed on Chatt’s behalf by attorney Keith Brady states that C&D Properties owns condo units 3 and 4 at 101 67th St.
According to the complaint, on May 16, 2023, the fire district passed Resolution 2023-01, a resolution that allows the district to assess vacation rentals at the commercial rate rather than the lower residential rate. The complaint says that on or about Oct. 9, 2023, the Manatee County Tax Appraiser assessed the two C&D properties on behalf of the fire district at the commercial rate.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the 2024 property tax-related TRIM notice for unit 3 included a $1,098 WMFR commercial rate assessment. The 2023 commercial rate assessment was $1,022. The 2023 and 2024 assessments were the same for unit 4. Levied at the residential rate, the 2022 WMFR assessments for units 3 and 4 were $462 each.
The complaint alleges that the fire district violated Florida Statute 509.032 by regulating vacation rentals.
“This assessment regulates vacation rentals by singling out vacation rentals as the only residential properties taxed at the commercial rate. No exemptions or exclusions excuse the F.D.’s (fire district’s) unlawful regulation of vacation rentals,” according to the lawsuit complaint that sought a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief from the WMFR assessments.
“C&D will be deprived of its right to be taxed in a lawful manner as guaranteed by the Florida Statutes if relief is not granted. C&D will suffer irreparable harm if the requested injunctive relief is not granted because its right to not be taxed in an unlawful manner will be violated,” according to the complaint.
“C&D Properties demands judgment against defendant granting relief as follows: A declaration that the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District cannot tax vacation rentals at the commercial rate because doing so violates the state preemption of the regulation of vacation rentals and therefore is invalid,” the complaint says.
The complaint sought permanent injunctive relief that would prohibit the fire district from taxing C&D Properties at the commercial rate. The complaint also sought a court order requiring the fire district to “effectuate the refund of wrongfully collected taxes from assessments to vacation rental owners.” C&D Properties also sought the reimbursement of attorney fees.
Judge’s ruling
In his May 22 written summary judgment, Judge Nicholas noted that the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 2016-255 in 2016, which allowed assessment rates to be assessed in accordance with Florida Statute 191.009.
“In 2023, the fire district elected to take advantage of this legislative change by levying a commercial rate assessment on properties rented on such a frequent basis as to qualify as ‘transient public lodging establishments’ as defined under Florida law, even if they were zoned ‘residential’ by the local zoning jurisdiction. As a result of the change, property owner has been assessed the commercial rate for both of his condominium units as short-term vacation rentals,” Nicholas wrote.
Citing case law, he wrote, “Consequently, the district may now set rates based on the actual use of the property, in addition to the land use designation, when imposing assessments.”
Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, Fire Inspector Josh Adkins and Lt. Fire Inspector Keith Miller inspected former Ohio firefighter Michael Wilcox’s multi-unit vacation rental in Holmes Beach on Aug. 21, 2023, making it the first short-term vacation rental inspected by WMFR. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to Nicholas’ summary judgment, “Fire District Resolution 2023-01 gives as cause for this change the ‘continual rise in the vacation rental industry’ as homeowners with properties within the district’s jurisdiction increasingly used their single-family zoned residential properties as vacation rentals; and the qualification of such rentals as ‘transient public lodging establishments,’ makes them subject to ‘increased life safety inspection, enforcement and response requirements’ under state law that are ‘not otherwise applicable to single-family zoned residential structures that are not used for short-term vacation rentals.’
“These regulations demand that the fire district devote greater resources to inspect, enforce and respond to calls for service at transient public lodging establishments, exacting a greater cost in time, personnel and expenditures; and as a result, the district resolved that the dedicated resources were ‘comparable to inspection, enforcement and response requirements for commercially zoned properties.’ ”
Nicholas noted the commercial assessment rate is also now applied to other residentially-zoned properties, including daycare centers and assisted living facilities.
In closing, Nicholas wrote, “The court finds that the fire district’s rate increase of its assessment imposed on residential properties used as transient public lodging establishments, which includes vacation rentals, is not a regulation that is preempted to the state. As there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact, the fire district is entitled to final summary judgment in its favor.”
The order also says, “For the reasons set forth above, West Manatee Fire and Rescue District’s motion for final summary judgment, as to both counts, is granted. C&D Properties of AMI LLC’s cross-motion for summary judgment is denied.”
On May 29, Nicholas issued a one-page final judgment that states, in part, “This is a final judgment on the merits as to all claims. Plaintiff shall recover nothing from defendant in this action.”
According to the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court website, the non-prevailing party has 30 days to file an appeal to a higher court.
In an era where residential elevators are increasingly common in single-family occupancies, homeowners must recognize the potential safety risks these systems pose, particularly during emergencies.
While elevators enhance accessibility and convenience, they also present unique challenges for both occupants and first responders. Without proactive planning, these systems can transform from assets to liabilities, especially in high-stress situations such as medical emergencies or fires.
One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of home elevator safety is the proper placement and availability of elevator keys. These keys are not only essential for daily maintenance but also serve as vital tools during emergency response. Homeowners within the West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) district are encouraged to consult with the Fire Marshal’s Office about the best practices for key placement, ideally in a secure yet easily accessible location known to both the homeowner and WMFR. This proactive approach ensures that first responders have immediate access during emergencies, mitigating the risks associated with delays.
Unlike commercial elevators, which typically use standardized keys, such as the drop key or lunar key, many private home elevator systems utilize proprietary keys specific to the manufacturer or installer. This proprietary nature can severely limit access for first responders during critical incidents and can delay life-saving interventions or potentially cause significant damage to the home.
Homeowners with proprietary keys are asked to coordinate with their elevator manufacturer or installer to obtain additional copies. Keeping these keys readily available and informing WMFR of their existence and location can dramatically improve response times and safety outcomes.
In summary, while single-family home elevator systems offer unparalleled convenience, they require diligent safety planning. West Manatee Fire Rescue emphasizes the importance of homeowners coordinating with the Fire Marshal’s Office regarding elevator key placement to reduce risks to personal safety, property damage and ensure a coordinated emergency response. Homeowners must recognize that a simple key, often proprietary, can mean the difference between a quick rescue and a costly tragedy.
Proactive communication and planning are essential for safeguarding both residents and first responders in the face of elevator-related emergencies.
CORTEZ – Multiple fire crews quickly knocked down an early morning fire on Dec. 29 at a boat repair business at 4412 123rd St. W., preventing damage to adjacent homes. The fire, however, destroyed a Cortez workshop on the property owned by Matthew Minnis and Jenny Krohn.
The two have been living in an RV in their driveway following flooding and damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton to their home next to the workshop.
Krohn set up a GoFundMe page, “Rebuild our home and businesses in historic Cortez Village,” and wrote that they had been trying to get their home and businesses back to livable and workable conditions when the fire broke out in the workshop.
“Helene and Milton flooded our home and both businesses with 4 feet of water. We were able to get our businesses back to being somewhat workable, but the house requires more work,” she wrote. “This morning, a fire erupted on the boat repair side and destroyed the building as well as the contents.”
She stated their insurance company canceled their homeowners insurance two years ago due to the location and they’ve been unable to acquire insurance, adding, “FEMA has been of no help.”
“We are asking for donations to help demo the building and rebuild the shop, and replace the thousands of dollars of tools,” she wrote. “We still have the house to re-sheetrock and replace the electrical. We were trying to rebuild after the hurricanes on our own, but this fire is just too much.”
According to West Manatee Fire Rescue incident reports, multiple units responded to the fire call and found a fully involved open warehouse-type building used for boat maintenance and repairs.
The owner was trying to pull equipment and trailers away from the fire. All of the contents inside the building were on fire, including a pick-up truck that began leaking gasoline. Some of the fire crews focused on protecting adjacent residences.
MANATEE COUNTY – While residents were hunkering down during the wind and rain as then-Tropical Storm Debby swept by the Gulf coast on Aug. 4, West Manatee Fire Rescue’s A shift was responding to multiple calls.
Over the course of a 24-hour shift, the department’s staff responded to more than 50 calls. WMFR Commission Chair Derrick Warner was so impressed with the team’s work and dedication during the storm that he presented them with a Commissioner’s Unit Citation Award during a Sept. 10 board meeting at the district’s administration building.
The Unit Citation Award is given to a crew, unit or entire department for exemplary performance during a fire or other emergency where the participants act as a team to efficiently bring the situation under control. Receiving the award for work during Debby are firefighter/medic Jerrod Apple, firefighter/medic John Balzer, firefighter Nathan Bergbom, firefighter William Bowen, Lt. Cameron Frazier, firefighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, firefighter Gavin Johnston, Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, firefighter Brooks Larkin, Capt. James Leigh, Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald, firefighter Samuel Martinez, firefighter Dane Miller, firefighter Chris O’Kelly, Chief Ben Rigney, firefighter Tyler Snyder and Training Chief Mark Tuttle.
During an August board meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to bestow the award on the group for their response efforts during the storm.
“They functioned well as an organized team to deliver emergency services over 50 times in one shift. Their mission was to reduce the devastation of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 4, 2024, and they did a great job,” Warner said of the team. “It’s certainly a reflection on their training, their organization, their leadership and their ‘get it done’ attitude. The board of commissioners is deeply grateful and appreciative of the efforts demonstrated by shift A and the others over a very long day.”
MANATEE COUNTY – Staff and commissioners at West Manatee Fire Rescue are celebrating 10 lives saved as they presented Phoenix Awards and a Civilian Service Award.
The district bestows Phoenix Awards on staff members who respond to an emergency where the patient is in cardiac arrest and that patient not only has a pulse and is breathing again when transferred to a medical facility but also is able to recover from the incident. Over a one-year period, WMFR staff had 10 of those incidents allowing for the patients to successfully recover and leave the hospital, including one where a private citizen responded before first responders could get to the scene, helping to save one man’s life after a boat fell on him.
The recipients of the Phoenix Awards were firefighter/medic Jerrod Apple with two awards, firefighter/medic John Balzer, firefighter Nathan Bergbom, firefighter William Bowen, firefighter/medic Casey Fischbach, firefighter Matthew French with two awards, firefighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez with two awards, firefighter Aston Jasinski, firefighter Gavin Johnston, firefighter Sarah Joseph, firefighter/medic Clayton Lease, Capt. James Leigh, firefighter Dane Miller, firefighter/medic David Miller, firefighter Zackary Misiura, firefighter Chris O’Kelley, firefighter Max Pollock, firefighter/medic Aaron Reese, firefighter Tyler Snyder, Lt. Daniel Tackett, firefighter Jeffrey Taylor with two awards, and firefighter/medic William Thomas.
Private citizen Steve Gulash received the district’s Civilian Service Award after jumping into a canal to rescue Ryan Cahill, who was struck by a falling boat when a cable on a boat lift snapped.
The recipient of WMFR’s Civilian Service Award, Steve Gulash, is thanked by Ryan Cahill for saving his life after Cahill was hit by a falling boat. – Kristin Swain | Sun
“The first week in May, I’m standing on a lift around a boat, up in the air, helping my father-in-law get it ready for hurricane season,” Cahill recalled. “We’re up about 8 feet above the water and the cable snapped. A 10,000-pound boat hit me and broke my arm, broke my knee, broke both my shoulder blades, 50 stitches in my head and four vertebrates. This was just four months ago.”
The Kalamazoo, Michigan resident said the Sept. 10 meeting was the first time that he met the man who saved his life after he fell in the water.
Cahill said that the doctors could not believe that he recovered. He said his family was called to come and say their goodbyes but after several days on a ventilator in the intensive care unit, he began to improve and was able to go home and has made a full recovery from his injuries.
“The impact that you made on my family, my kids, everybody that knows me, I’m forever connected with you going forward and so will they be and thank God for that and thank God for you. Thank you,” Cahill said to Gulash, presenting the award to the man who saw him go in the water and reacted quickly enough to save his life. Firefighters said that when they arrived, Gulash was holding Cahill above the water, and it took six people to pull him out of the canal due to the depth of the water to the height of the seawall.
Cahill said his response was a reaction to all his training as a coach and in law enforcement. He said he felt honored to receive the award among firefighters who stepped up every day to help save lives. “You guys are awesome,” he said.
HOLMES BEACH – A lightning strike started a fire on Aug. 22 that damaged two local businesses – West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating and Fun and More Rentals.
A press release from West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski states that the fire began at 10:18 a.m. at the Holmes Beach Business Center, 5347 Gulf Drive.
Resident Tom Curtin captured the scene as the fire burned through two units at the Holmes Beach Business Center. – Submitted | Tom Curtin
The lightning caused a two-alarm fire, bringing crews from WMFR, Bradenton Fire Rescue, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue to the Anna Maria Island city. Kwiatkowski said the fire was extinguished quickly and no injuries were reported.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, whose family owns the business center, said all of the units were evacuated quickly, including the Island Animal Clinic and The Paw Spa, whose four-legged clients were safely moved to 5350 The Pourhouse across the street in the S&S Plaza.
None of the other units in the business center were damaged by the fire.
CORTEZ – A suspect is in custody charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of battery after a shooting at the Sunny Shores Mobile Home Park the night of June 6.
According to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office press release, Kevin R. Armstrong allegedly confronted a 33-year-old female who arrived at a residence in the 3900 block of 116th Street West around 8:08 p.m. with two males on a golf cart to retrieve some personal items.
Law enforcement responded to reports of a shootout in Cortez on Thursday, June 6. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
Detectives said that Armstrong and the female victim had been in a domestic relationship, and he had allegedly slapped the victim in the face earlier in the evening.
A verbal altercation between Armstrong and the victim quickly escalated, according to the release. During the argument, Armstrong allegedly grabbed a shotgun and shot at her as she and the two males accompanying her tried to flee the home, resulting in the female victim being shot in the chest.
One of the men with the victim retrieved a handgun from the golf cart and allegedly returned multiple rounds of fire in Armstrong’s direction, but did not hit him. The three, including the injured female, fled the area on the golf cart to 119th Street West and 45th Avenue West, according to the release.
At 8:45 p.m., according to West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, an unidentified male victim was assessed for a gunshot wound to the foot at 3916 116th St. W. but refused treatment.
MCSO deputies confronted Armstrong at the 116th Street West address, where he was attempting to hide inside the residence, according to the release. After being ordered to surrender to police, he complied and was taken into custody. Other deputies met with the victims at 45th Avenue West to gather further information.
The female victim was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where she was treated for a gunshot wound to the chest. As of this morning, she was listed in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
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