West Manatee Fire Rescue

Firefighter Ben Rigney Earns Master’s Degree

West Manatee Firefighter Ben Rigney recently graduated from Barry University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.  The commencement ceremony was held December 17^that the James L. Knight Convention Center in Miami.  Firefighter Rigney began his career as a Reserve Firefighter in 2005, before being hired by the District in 2006.  He is currently a First Class Firefighter and holds the Fire Officer I, Instructor III and Inspector I certifications.  He serves on the District’s Marine, Wildland and Bicycle Response Teams.

Firefighters Balzer and Brunner Promoted

West Manatee Fire Rescue District has promoted Firefighter John Balzer to 2^ndClass Firefighter and Firefighter Chad Brunner to 3^rdClass Firefighter.

Firefighter Balzer began his career as a Reserve Firefighter in 2006 after receiving his Florida Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician certifications. He was hired by the District in 2009. His promotion is a culmination of over 266 hours of specialized training and two years of employment.

 Firefighter Brunner began his career as a Reserve Firefighter in 2009 after receiving his Florida Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician certifications. He was hired this past June by the District. Firefighter Brunner’s promotion is a direct result of the completion of a six month probation period and the successful completion of numerous written and practical examinations.

Personnel Recognized at Appreciation Dinner

West Manatee Fire Rescue District recognized personnel at their 2011 Appreciation Dinner for their service and accomplishments.

Genesis Award
Firefighter Jorden McPherson

Meritorious Service Award

Firefighter Ben Dillon

Firefighter Rodney Kwiatkowski

Lieutenant Ryan Moore

Military Service Award

Firefighter Chris Hayslip (USAF)

Firefighter Brandon Hiott (USA)

Firefighter Spencer Holleran (USA)

Firefighter Steve Kutzko (USN)

Firefighter Derek Messmer (USA)

Firefighter David Pilsbury (USN)

Outstanding Landscape in the Public Building Category

To our surprise, officials from Keep Manatee Beautiful came by the Administration Building this afternoon to present the District with a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Landscape in the Public Building Category. As you all know, this was an effort which had many participants including: Master Gardener Christine Callahan and fellow Master Gardeners, Michelle Atkinson - Manatee County Extension Service, Manatee Sheriffs Office – Road Gang, Florida Native Plant Society – Serenoa Chapter, Manatee County Utilities – Water Conservation Office, Carey Green - The Water Works Irrigation Company, Turner Tree and Landscape, Laura Tripp – Volunteer Manatee and all the firefighters and their families who helped and continue to help with the landscaping of the Administration Building.

 Without all of us working together, this recognition would not have been possible.