The West Manatee Fire Rescue District held its annual awards ceremony Jan. 19 during the board of commissioner’s meeting. The district honored firefighters and officers for their service and performance.
Chris O’Kelly was named firefighter of the year and Ben Rigley officer of the year, along with service awards to 19 firefighters.
In addition, Phoenix Awards were granted to firefighters Nate Bergbom, Cameron Frazier and O’Kelly for their Dec. 3 role in resuscitating a patient who was successfully discharged from Blake Medical Center.
Battalion Chief Rich Losek also presented Commissioner Randy Johnson, who served as chair of the commission in 2016, with a gavel.
Losek presented paramedics Andrew Powers, Alex Flores and Frank Agresta, all hired in November 2016, bringing the staff of paramedics to five.
WMFR is negotiating with Manatee County to provide advanced life support services to patients, allowing firefighters trained as paramedics to deliver advanced care, and equip some trucks with more medical equipment and medication.
Currently, only Manatee County EMS can provide advanced life support in the county.
Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski said the Manatee County Board of Commissioners is expected to hear a presentation regarding the issue in the next several weeks.
Also at the commission meeting, Chair George Harris announced board assignments.
Lawrence Jennis will serve on the awards/appreciation committee.
Randall Cooper will serve as special projects liaison and sit on the fire commission association.
David Bishop, who was absent, was assigned the dinner committee.
Secretary/treasurer Al Robinson will serve as liaison to the Barrier Island Elected Officials.
Harris will continue on the safety committee.
The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m., Thursday Feb. 16, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.
Years of service awards:
One year: Jacob Dillard, Cody Gregory, Garrett Kurtz, Jacob Thiele and Spence van Busirk.
Five years: Josh Adkins, Robert Haygood and Tyler MacDonald.
10 years: John Balzer, Jay Johnson, Andrew Lauricella, Bernard Oszust and Tom Sousa.
15 years: Paul Hopkins and Dan Tackett.
20 years: Darren Wollmer.
25 years: Chris Kiernan and Jezz Lonzo.
30 years: Chris Shepard.
Meritorious service award: Jeff Philips, Tyler MacDonald, James Leigh, Jeff Lonzo and John Stump.
