Deputy Chief Brett Pollock began October on a high note.
“I’m pretty honored,” he said.
Pollock, with West Manatee Fire Rescue, received a Congressional Career Service Award Oct. 5 at the Florida 16th Congressional District Fire and EMS Awards in Sarasota. The event honors firefighters and emergency medical services personnel who have provided distinguished service. Ten individual awards were given to first responders during the ceremony. Similar awards ceremonies are held in other congressional districts.
“I’m honored that I was nominated for this award. I’m appreciative of those who sent in reference letters and supported the nomination,” Pollock said.
Pollock was nominated by WMFR Chief Tom Sousa, who said the number of lives saved because of Pollock’s work could not be quantified.
Pollock began his career in 1980 as a volunteer firefighter with Westside Fire District in Bradenton. Westside merged with the Anna Maria Fire District in 2000 to form WMFR. Throughout his career, he has held various positions including engineer, captain, district chief and battalion chief. Pollock also is the regional coordinator for the National Fallen Firefighters “Courage to Be Safe” program and a grant writer for Manatee County fire districts.
“It’s nice to be recognized by this award as I’m coming to the end of my career at West Manatee,” Pollock said.
Pollock will retire from the district in January.
— Kristin Swain