Firefighter Paul E. Hopkins has been promoted to Lieutenant on C shift
The road to becoming a Lieutenant is a challenging process as one must take 33 different courses which have over 2100 hours in the classroom. Additionally they must obtain a fire science degree and numerous state certifications. Obtaining these education requirements, along with satisfactory evaluation, allows them to participate in a promotion process. This process is challenging as the district uses an assessment center where candidates must first pass a written exam and then using assessors are graded in several areas and assess their performance during live scenarios dealing with fire incidents, public education and employment issues.
Lieutenant Hopkins began his career with the district in May of 2001 and after years of training reached the level of first class firefighter in April of 2005. Lieutenant Hopkins received his degree in fire science in 2007 from State College of Florida. He holds certifications as a firefighter and Emergency medical technician, pump operator, fire inspector, fire investigator, fire officer, safety officer. Additionally he has certifications in USAR and is a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer.
Lieutenant Hopkins serves on the joint Urban Search and Rescue Team as team leader and previously served as the Marine team Leader.
Lieutenant Hopkins served in the U.S. Army and earned a military service award in 2004. He received the hurricane service award in 2004, hurricane campaign ribbon in 2005, and was named the West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County Firefighter of the year in 2005. He received a meritorious service award in 2006, unit citation in 2007 and special Operations ribbon in 2009.
Please welcome our newest officer Lieutenant Paul E. Hopkins.
