“We recognize our guys because they sacrifice every day,” West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa said, opening the 2016 district awards ceremony. “We’re here to give recognition to the men and women who serve our organization.”
The annual ceremony was Jan. 6 at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. WMFR presented 18 awards to 21 employees.
Five first-year firefighters — Gregory Baez, Richard Davis, Ashton Jasinski, David Miller and Jacob Taylor — received length of service awards.
Firefighters Adam Baggett and Corry Hill received five-year service awards.
Capt. Ben Rigney received a 10-year service award and Fire Marshal Jim Davis received a 15-year service award.
Service awards are given to mark each five years of fire service.
Urban Search and Rescue team members Zack Benshoff, Corry Hill, Jay Johnson, Andrew Lauricella and Tyler MacDonald received special operations ribbons for their commitment to continuing training and service.
Firefighter Ben Dillon received his third meritorious award for outstanding achievement in the previous year. He was joined by Davis, who received a meritorious award for his work with the WMFR cadet program.
“He’s the heart behind the cadets,” Battalion Chief Rich Losek said as he presented the award to Davis.
Career service awards were presented to Firefighter John Stump for 20 years, Capt. Rich Jasinski for 25 years, administrative assistant Mary Stephens for 30 years in administration and Deputy Chief Brett Pollock for 36 years.
Sousa noted Pollock was receiving his award a year late for his 35th year working in the fire service.
Former Chief Andy Price made a special appearance to congratulate Pollock and Stephens, who both received standing ovations. Stephens retired from the district Jan. 7 and Pollock is retiring Jan. 19.
WMFR also recognized Commissioner David Bishop for serving as the board’s 2015 chair. This was the first time WMFR has recognized a board member for service.
“Thanks for keeping us together and moving in the right direction,” Sousa told Bishop.
Firefighter Jerrod Apple was named Rookie of the Year. The Firefighter of the Year award went to Jay Johnson for his work as CPR instructor and bicycle program coordinator. Officer of the Year went to Pollock.
Pollock, who serves as chair of the awards committee, was led to believe he wouldn’t receive the honor. During the ceremony, Sousa admitted to creating a fake award certificate with Rigney’s name.
“We had a lot of great guys who stood out throughout the year,” Sousa said. “It was a difficult decision.”
He added, “2015 was a great year for us; it was a safe year,” Sousa said. “I’m looking forward to 2016.”
More award photos are posted online at www.islander.org.