City of Bradenton Fire Department

🚨Quick Rescue!

At 12:33 this afternoon, BFD units were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident in the 400 block of Manatee Avenue West involving two vehicles and one entrapped patient. The first unit arrived on scene at 12:38 and, 12 minutes later, crews safely extricated the patient, who was then transported by Manatee County EMS for further care.

🍩+🧑‍🚒= a-glaze-ing day!

Celebrated in the U.S. on the first Friday of June each year, National Donut Day was established in 1938 as a Salvation Army fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression.
Today, The Salvation Army honors first responders with these sweet treats in an effort to carry forward the legacy of supporting those who serve 'on the front lines' of community safety.

Thank you to The Salvation Army of Manatee County for including us, and for your service to our community!

Recently, the Saramana Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded Firefighter Shawn Heinlein with a Fire Safety Commendation Award for his actions in the rescue of a critically injured patient.

Last year, Firefighter Heinlein was the officer in charge of the first-arriving unit at a vehicle accident involving an entrapped victim. Faced with a high-pressure scene, he quickly assessed the situation, established priorities, and coordinated the effective extrication of a critically injured woman in her third trimester of pregnancy. This incident is one of many that reflect Firefighter Heinlein's skill, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to those he serves.

Congratulations, Firefighter Heinlein, on this well-deserved recognition!

For more than 20 years, Larry Covins has volunteered his time in service to our department and firefighters. From 2003 through 2022, he provided administrative office assistance and, beginning in January 2006, he took on a trustee role with our Bradenton Firefighters Pension Board. This morning, Larry announced that he will be stepping down from his trustee role at the end of his term this year.

We are sincerely grateful for his countless hours of service and contributions to a lasting impact on our firefighters and organization.

Thank you, Larry! 🎉

HIGH-ANGLE TECHNICAL RESCUE FROM WATER TOWER

At 9:23 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, City of Bradenton Fire Department (BFD) personnel responded to an injured person in the city water tower adjacent to BFD Station 3 on 59th Street West. The patient was reported to have fallen from scaffolding, approximately four feet, inside the tower where he was completing maintenance-related work.

With technical rescue training exercises nearby, personnel were able to respond quickly, finding the patient with an apparent leg injury. Given the patient’s location within the tower, a high-angle technical rescue operation was conducted, removing him in less than an hour. The patient, who was wearing appropriate safety equipment at the time of the incident, was transported by Manatee County EMS.

This was a successful undertaking conducted without issue by the professionals of the BFD. Our thanks to all BFD responders and to the agencies who provided assistance, including Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, East Manatee Fire Rescue, North River Fire District, West Manatee Fire Rescue, and Manatee County EMS.

So grateful for the support of our community ❤🚒👩‍🚒

The AQUAlibrium drowning prevention initiative from Big Dreams Through Small Steps will provide up to 10 free swim sessions for eligible children ages 2 1/2 through 8 in Manatee County and surrounding communities. The program is available to families demonstrating financial need and to children in the foster care system. Program organizers said the goal for this second year is to continue removing barriers that prevent families from accessing life-saving swim education while increasing awareness about drowning prevention throughout the community.

Families interested in applying for the program can learn more through Big Dreams Through Small Steps.

We celebrate and congratulate Firefighter/EMT Sam Fronek on his retirement from the City of Bradenton Fire Department. Thank you for more than two decades of dedicated service and care for our community. Wishing you a happy and well-earned retirement, Sammy! 🚒👏

After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, we celebrate and congratulate Firefighter/EMT Dan Hedgeman on his retirement from the City of Bradenton Fire Department. Thank you for three decades of courage, commitment, and care for our community. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and well-earned retirement! 🚒👏

International Firefighters' Day is observed annually on May 4th to honor the dedication and sacrifices of firefighters who serve our communities. The day also serves as a time to thank our current and past firefighters, remember those who have passed in the line of duty, and to recognize the importance of fire safety. 🚒

For more about IFFD, please visit www.firefightersday.org.