WMFR honors retirees, lifesavers, game-changers

West Manatee Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Richard Jasinski, center, May 17 holds a ceremonial ax and retirement award celebrating his WMFR career alongside Chief Ben Rigney, right, and Battalion Chief Jay Johnson, left. Jasinski said he had less than a handful of shifts before his retirement began and he was looking forward to the change. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

WMFR firefighter/paramedics John Balzer, right, holds his Phoenix Award May 17 alongside fellow award-winners Adam Baggett, Clayton Lease, firefighter Ashton Jasinski and Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald, accompanied by his daughter, Jaylynn, 4. Other honors went to Battalion Chief Chad Brunner, Lt. Darren Vollmer and firefighters Rob Haygood, Jeff Taylor and Nate Bergbom, not in attendance. The Phoenix Award recognizes WMFR staff who respond to a cardiac arrest call and provide life-saving medical treatment.

WMFR Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald, right, stands May 17 with daughter Jaylynn, 4, firefighter/paramedic William Thomas, firefighter Ashton Jasinski, and firefighter/medics Clayton Lease, Adam Baggett and Lisa Sedillo, on winning the district’s Unit Citation Award. Other recipients, Lt. Derek Bill, firefighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez and firefighters Jeff Taylor and Nate Bergbom were not in attendance. The Unit Citation Award recognizes WMFR staff who “go above and beyond” during an emergency call, and was sponsored by Parrot Cove Marina owner Bob Gertz.

WMFR firefighter Ashton Jasinski, left, and firefighter/medic Adam Baggett hold Lifesaving Awards they received May 17 for providing life-saving medical treatment. Other recipients, including Lt. Darren Vollmer and firefighter Nate Bergbom, were not in attendance.

WMFR administrative assistant Kaitlyn Wright, right, administers the new employee oath May 17 to John Rosenfeldt, left, who joined the district as a firefighter.