Passing of Retired Fire Chief James T. Steffens

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fire Chief James T. Steffens, a dedicated and revered leader who served 10 years of service with unwavering commitment to Oneco Tallevast Fire Control District & Southern Manatee Fire Rescue...

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20 Years of service awards

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to FireFighter Rich Gatanis and Lieutenant Justin Sperko for their remarkable 20 years of dedicated service at our fire department. Your unwavering commitment and expertise have been invaluable to our team, and...

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October is Fire Prevention Safety Month

October is Fire Prevention Safety Month. This years NFPA motto is Cooking Safety Starts with YOU. Southern Manatee Fire Rescue wants you to join us to STAY SAFE. See the attached Newsletters and information sheets for how to be kitchen...

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Ladder 339 goes ALS

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)

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Four new FireFighters sworn in

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...

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BATTALION CHIEF HERB SMITH RETIRES

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...

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Train Derailment

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...

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Retirement of Bobby Thayer

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.

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Awards presented 10.20.22

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...

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IAFF Local 2546 Contract Signing

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...

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30 year awards

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...

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Chihuahua rescue

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...

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New Hires

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to announce the hiring of 5 new firefighters.  The new hires are filling vacancies created as a result of recent retirements and internal promotions. Firefighter/Paramedic Luis Penarenas Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Woods...

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Promotion of Paul Wojcik

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Paul Wojcik on his promotion to Inspector.  The administration looks forward to this newest addition to the Prevention Bureau and knows Paul will do an outstanding job. Please join us in congratulating Inspector...

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Retirement of Larry Betts

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Larry Betts on his retirement.  We would like to thank Larry for his 19 years of service to the citizens of Manatee County.

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Promotion of Steve Hodges

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Steve Hodges on his promotion to Lieutenant.   Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Hodges on his promotion.

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