Today we upgraded the services of Ladder 339 to Advanced Life Support (ALS), this is a set of life-saving protocols and skills that extend beyond Basic Life Support (BLS)

At a recent Commission meeting, the community welcomed four new firefighters who were sworn in to their positions. The event was a momentous occasion for both the firefighters and their family’s, as it marked the beginning of their service to protect the people and...

Firefighters and Officers from around the county came out to bid Battalion Chief Herb Smith a farewell after 33 years of service. His family and friends also filled the room. Battalion Chief Herb Smith started as a Volunteer in Sarasota Fire Dept, and was hired by the...

On February 28th 2023 SMFR personal responded to a reported train derailment in the rear of the 7200 block of 16th Street East.  The initial response consisted of 3 Engines, Hazmat Squad, Battalion and Hazmat Captain.  6 rail cars were found overturned.  5 cars were...

Congratulations to Training Chief Bobby Thayer on his retirement.  After 33 with the fire service he served in almost every position and on every shift.

After 33 years with the the fire service, Debbie is retiring.  Will miss her in the role of Executive Management Assistant.

Congratulations to our newly promoted Lieutenants: Lt. Seth Burnett Lt. Mike Murphy Lt. Kiel Duquette And, years of service awards to: FF Jarek DeHart 20 Years Lt. Chad D’Agostino 20 Years Lt. Wayne Lambert 25 Years Lt. Kiel Duquette 20 Years FF Stuart Ramer 20 Years...

We are so happy to be back in schools doing in-person public education!

SMFR DVP Derek Foss was awarded the Manatee County Chiefs Gallantry Star for Bravery. The highest award possible in Manatee County. DVP Foss made the selfless act of donating an organ to another so that she could continue to live life. The Organ Recipient Bri Baker...

At the July 21, 2022 Board of Commissioners meeting the newest IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) union contract was accepted and signed.  The contract comes from efforts by the union negotiation team and administration at Southern Manatee Fire and...

On July 21 2022 Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue awarded Lt. Melvin Bonds and Cpt. Adam Chevalier certificates and ribbons for 30 years of service with the department.  Please join us in congratulating Lt. Bonds and Cpt. Chevalier on this achievement.   [gallery...

On 04/20/2022 SMFR “A” shift was dispatched to a working structure fire in the Briarwood subdivision.  All occupants were out of the structure, but the family pet was not located during the evacuation.  Crews made entry and while one crew was battling the fire the...

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Ken Reed on his retirement.  We would like to thank Kenny for his 33 years of service to the citizens of Manatee County.