Deputy Chief Anderson pinning

We are thrilled to announce the promotion and pinning ceremony Deputy Chief Dan Anderson! Join us in congratulating and Dan Anderson for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving our community. Your hard work and over 25 years of experience has...

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Citizen award

Let's all take a moment to applaud Jeremy, a true hero in our midst!  Jeremy witnessed a vehicle crash that tragically ended in a retention pond. Without hesitation, he grabbed a dumbbell from his Semi-truck and broke the windows, enabling the occupants to escape to...

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Deputy Chief Perry pinning

We are thrilled to announce the promotion and pinning ceremony Deputy Chief Adam Perry! Join us in congratulating and Adam Perry for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving our community. Your hard work and over 23 years of experience has...

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Walmart donation

Exciting News! Walmart has just made a generous donation of $1000 to Southern Manatee Fire Rescue to support fire prevention education and provide much-needed smoke detectors. This contribution will make a huge impact in keeping our community safe. A big thank you to...

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Plaque honoring Chief Steffens

Chief Bounds attended the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) Memorial Service on Sunday July 21st to honor Chief Officers and FFCA Members who passed away in the last year.  Retired Oneco-Tallevast and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue Chief James Steffens was one of...

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2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

Consumers can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Saturday, June 1 and...

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Manatee County Chiefs’ Association Awards

Congratulations to those receiving acknowledgement from the Manatee Fire Chiefs' Association for their work during Hurricane Ian. BC Adam Perry Lt. Derek Foss FF/Paramedic Bill Pratt FF Randy Smith FF Dave Sedgley Rick Blanco received the...

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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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