WMFR hands out annual awards

WMFR’s annual awards honor bravery, perseverance and service.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

BRADENTON – The staff and elected officials at West Manatee Fire Rescue celebrated service and achievements as they recently handed out the district’s annual awards and recognized the retirement of one of their own.

Lt. John Stump took home the Officer of the Year award, with Christopher O’Kelly honored as Firefighter of the Year. O’Kelly also was recognized for 25 years of service to the district. Rookie of the Year went to David Miller, who also was recognized for a promotion to firefighter third class.

Firefighter/paramedic John Balzer was honored with the 2022 Meritorious award for going above and beyond the call of duty for his fellow first responders and the community at large.

The 2022 Soteria award, named for the Greek goddess of safety, deliverance and preservation from harm, was given to firefighter/paramedic Crystal Tucciarone, who also was recognized for one year of service with the fire district.

Additional career and length of service awards went to Gabriel Gonzalez and William Thomas for one year with WMFR, Jerrod Apple and Capt. Derek Bill for 10 years and former administrative manager Julie Kichar for 25 years with the district. Kichar retired from the district on Jan. 12.

Joining Kichar in retirement was Lt. Darren Vollmer whose friends and family were on hand during the Jan. 17 board meeting and awards ceremony to honor his years of service to the fire district. Vollmer retired from WMFR on Jan. 31.

Clockwise above, staff, friends and family gathered on Jan. 17 to celebrate the retirement of Lt. Darren Vollmer prior to the district’s annual awards ceremony. Lt. John Stump is awarded the Officer of the Year award for 2022. Crystal Tucciarone receives recognition for her first year of service as a firefighter/paramedic with West Manatee Fire Rescue. Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski gives the 2022 Soteria award to firefighter/ paramedic Crystal Tucciarone. WMFR Commissioner Larry Jennis, left, is recognized for his time serving as board chair by current Chair Robert Bennett, right. Firefighter David Miller takes home the district’s Rookie of the Year award. From left, Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, firefighter/paramedic John Balzer and Chief Ben Rigney celebrate the presentation of Balzer’s meritorious service award for going above and beyond the call of duty for the community.