West Manatee Fire and Rescue District

🌊⚠️ Rip Current Safety Reminder ⚠️🌊

Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can quickly pull even strong swimmers away from shore. Knowing what to do can save your life!

🏖️ If caught in a rip current:
✅ Stay calm and don't panic.
❌ Do NOT swim directly back to shore against the current.
➡️ Swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current.
🏊 Once free, swim at an angle back toward shore.

🆘 If you can't escape, float or tread water and wave for help.
Before heading to the beach:
🌊 Check local beach conditions and warning flags.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible.
👀 Keep a close eye on children and inexperienced swimmers.

Remember: Rip currents don't pull you underwater—they pull you away from shore. Stay calm, conserve your energy, and know how to escape safely.

🎉 Promotion Announcement 🎉

It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of Firefighter/Paramedic Samuel Martinez as our newest PIC (Paramedic In Charge).

Throughout his training, Samuel has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, dedication, leadership, and competence within the program. He has successfully completed all required assessments, including his evaluation with Dr. Nonell, and has proven he is ready to take on this important role within our department.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter/Paramedic Samuel Martinez on this well-earned achievement and milestone. We appreciate Samuel’s hard work, commitment to excellence, and continued service to our department and community. 👏🚒

🎓 Congratulations to the recipients of the Brian Reed Scholarship! 🎓

Each year, this scholarship honors the memory of Brian Reed and recognizes students who exemplify dedication, leadership, community service, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Your hard work and determination have earned this recognition, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future.

Congratulations to this year's recipients, and best wishes for continued success! 👏📚🎉

📸 Pictured left to right: Pam Reed (Brian's wife), Lane Polson, Nicholas Hopkins, and Donna Reed (Brian's daughter).

⚾️ Congratulations to our very own Lt. Inspector Adkins! ⚾️

This past Friday evening, Lt. Inspector Adkins had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Bradenton Marauders game.

He was nominated for this opportunity following his recognition as the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association (FFCA) Fire Inspector of the Year—an award that reflects his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to fire and life safety throughout our community.

We are proud to have Lt. Adkins representing West Manatee Fire Rescue both on and off the field. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

🔥🚒⚾️

👨‍🚒❤️ Happy Father’s Day from West Manatee Fire Rescue! ❤️👨‍🚒

Today, we celebrate all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who make a difference both at home and in our community.

To the dads of West Manatee Fire Rescue—thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. Whether you’re answering emergency calls, serving our community, or cheering from the sidelines at your children’s events, your strength, guidance, and love make a lasting impact.

We wish all fathers a safe, happy, and well-deserved Father’s Day!

At last night’s Commissioners Meeting, Commissioners Tindall and Bennett were recognized for completing the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD) Certified District Official (CDO) Program.

With their completion of the program, all five members of the West Manatee Fire Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners are now Certified District Officials—a first in District history. This achievement reflects the Board’s commitment to professional development, ethical leadership, and effective governance in service to our community.

Congratulations to Commissioners Tindall and Bennett and the entire Board on this milestone accomplishment! 🎊👏

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and now is the time to prepare — not when a storm is already approaching.

✅ Know your evacuation zone
✅ Review your family emergency plan
✅ Build or restock your disaster supply kit
✅ Charge devices and backup power banks
✅ Secure important documents
✅ Stay informed through trusted local sources

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. West Manatee Fire Rescue encourages everyone to take the time to get ready before the next storm threatens our community.

Be prepared. Stay informed. Stay safe.

West Manatee Fire Rescue joins fire departments across the country in supporting Xavier Taylor and his family through the "Bats Out for Xavier" movement.

Xavier is the son of retired Pennsauken Fire Department firefighter Gregory Taylor, who served his community for more than 28 years. Xavier is currently fighting for his life following a tragic baseball accident.

Please keep Xavier, his family, and his medical team in your thoughts and prayers as he continues his fight to recover.

Stay strong, Xavier. Your fire service family is standing with you.

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/06/09/west-manatee-fire-rescue-launches-water-watcher-program-drowning-prevention/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSVDy1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE2TEtaT2N2VzBmZlF1RGx0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuZwuG37TmXRlCpSNA3WWalps0v3AIqInoKBOJ7tD28RnhMV3xKXeChV1wQz_aem_X_nBvIXBlZMHRPwjje5vqA

West Manatee Fire Rescue launches Water Watcher program for drowning prevention Fire officials urge Anna Maria Island community to assign designated adults to watch water during summer gatherings