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...
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.
Retirement of Debbie Tuckerman
After 33 years with the the fire service, Debbie is retiring. Will miss her in the role of Executive Management Assistant.
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...
Fire prevention week – Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.
We are so happy to be back in schools doing in-person public education!
Crews on deployment assisting with Hurricane Ian recovery.
Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Foss donates kidney to Tampa nurse
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
Promotion of Adam Chevalier
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Adam Chevalier on his promotion to Logistics Captain. This position, being new to our organization will report directly to the Assistant Chief and will be primarily responsible for supervising, monitoring, and...
Promotion of Sam Collins
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Sam Collins on his promotion to Lieutenant. Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Collins on his promotion.
Retirement of Ken Reed
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.
Promotion of Chuck Moonen
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Chuck Moonen on his promotion to Inspector. The administration looks forward to this newest addition to the Prevention Bureau and knows Chuck will do an outstanding job. Please join us in congratulating...
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue launches its new ALS response vehicle.
With the promotion of Dan Anderson to Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Officer his vehicle became licensed by the State of Florida as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) response unit. EMS Officer Anderson and his immediate supervisor Training Chief Bobby Thayer will...
Promotion of Dan Anderson
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Dan Anderson on his promotion to EMS Officer. This position will report directly to the Training Chief and will be primarily responsible for all EMS training, paramedic and EMT alike, quality management,...