West Manatee Fire Rescue

Battalion Chief Brooks Earns Master’s Degree

Battalion Chief Barry Brooks recently graduated from Barry University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. The commencement ceremony was held May 5^that the James L. Knight Convention Center in Miami. Battalion Chief Brooks joined West Manatee Fire & Rescue as a firefighter in 1990. He is certified as a Fire Officer II, Instructor III and Inspector I and Fire Investigator I.

 Battalion Chief Brooks graduated from Hodges University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree.  He is an instructor at the Manatee Technical Institute’s Fire Academy and a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.

Sousa Named County Fire Officer of the Year

The Manatee County Fire Chiefs’ Association hosted their annual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 24^that Southern Manatee Fire District Administrative Building and presented Captain Tom Sousa the 2011 County Fire Officer of the Year Award.  Captain Sousa was recognized for his contribution in developing cooperation among the fire departments of Manatee County in the area of training and career development.

Pictured with Captain Sousa (center) are Fire Chief Andy Price (left) and MCFCA President Chief Bill Quinn (right).

Firefighter Kwiatkowski Promoted to 2nd Class

Firefighter Rodney Kwiatkowski was promoted to 2^ndClass Firefighter and received his certificate of achievement at the April Board of Fire Commissioners meeting.  To earn the 2^ndClass rank, Kwiatkowski had to successfully complete the following courses: Aerial Apparatus Operator, I-200, Fire Tactics I, Building Construction, and become a State Certified Pump Operator.  In addition, 2^ndClass firefighters are tested on maps, ROGs, fire sprinkler, alarm and Knox Box locations, as well as passing a written and practical exam.

Pictured with Firefighter Kwiatkowski (center), is Captain Rich Jasinski (left) and Chief Andy Price (right).

 Station 4 Attacks Motorhome Blaze

April 12, 2012 - West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a motorhome fire several blocks from Station 4.  The 28' Coachman Motorhome parked between two homes. Witnesses stated that they observed smoke coming from behind the fence where the motorhome was parked and called the fire department. First fire units arriving reported the motorhome on fire with possible structure involvement. Engine 141's crew extinguished the fire shortly after arrival. The homes on both sides of the motorhome were unoccupied at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation. Bradenton Engine 31 and Engine 121 assisted with a water supply.