West Manatee Fire Rescue

    West manatee Fire Rescue responded to an accident involving a semi shut down the Cortez Bridge Tuesday morning (June 29th).

According to reports, the driver of the truck, who was headed for the Publix on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, lost control and crossed into the oncoming traffic. 

Officials said the truck, which was driven by 32-year-old George Gonzales, collided with a small car and nearly crushed it.  The impact with the car kept the truck from falling over the side of the bridge, officials said.

Gonzales told paramedics that he wasn't sure what happened. He said he wasn't using his phone, and he doesn't think he fell asleep.

   Captain Rich Jasinski of the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District has successfully completed the process that awards him the professional designation of “Fire Officer” (FO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met on June 8, 2010, to officially confer the designation upon Captain Rich Jasinski. Captain Rich Jasinski is one of only 13 FO’s worldwide. 

 The CPC awards the FO designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization’s stringent criteria. The process includes an assessment of the applicant’s education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, contributions to the profession, and community involvement. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.