Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan announced the winners of the 16th Congressional District Fire and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Awards. The awards, established by Buchanan in 2012, aim to recognize fire and rescue personnel and EMS workers for their distinguished service.

“First responders, fire departments and EMS teams are constantly summoned on short notice to extremely challenging circumstances to serve area residents and help save lives,” said Congressman Buchanan. “Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women play an integral role in our community and deserve to know that we have their backs and appreciate their service.”

The award recipients were chosen by an independent committee consisting of current and retired fire and rescue personnel from the district.

The awards were presented to various individuals across several categories:

- Associate Service Award was given to Hillsborough County Citizen Jake O’Brien.

- Dedication and Professionalism Award went to Lisa Kalmbach from Manatee County Emergency Communications Center, Deputy Chief Jose Prado, Captain David Raasch, Captain Andrew Capeletti, Fire Captain Nico DiNova, Fire Inspector Ryan Gould, Battalion Chief Jeffrey Landis, and Captain Scott VanDeBoe from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

- Unit Citation was awarded to several teams including members from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Battalion 6-C; Manatee County EMS; Bradenton Fire Department; North River Fire District; Parrish Fire District; East Manatee Fire Rescue; Hillsborough County Fire Rescue; Aeromed.

- Career Service Award recipients included Assistant Chief Jane Herrin of Longboat Key Fire Department; Jimmie Hamrick Jr. of Manatee County EMS; Derrick Warner of West Manatee Fire and Rescue District; retired Chief Edward Cleveland of West Manatee Fire and Rescue District.