Heroic Response Earns Deputies and Detective Lifesaving Awards in Manatee County

Four members of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office have received the agency’s prestigious Lifesaving Award for their swift, coordinated response that helped save the life of a teenage gunshot victim earlier this year.

Detective Ryan Emkey and Deputies Stephen Filer, Brandon Fourquet, and Ryan Kent were recognized for their heroic actions on April 27, 2025, while assigned to a security detail at Bayside Community Church. While managing traffic at the intersection of Sawgrass Road and Moccasin Wallow Road, a vehicle abruptly stopped near their location. Inside, deputies found a 17-year-old driver suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The deputies sprang into action. Detective Emkey quickly assessed the victim's condition, while Deputies Fourquet and Filer located two gunshot wounds—one in each of the young man’s upper arms. They immediately applied tourniquets to control the bleeding. At the same time, Deputy Kent interviewed a juvenile passenger who had witnessed the shooting. Though visibly shaken, the witness was able to give critical information about the suspect and the location of the crime, which was quickly relayed to other responding units.

Thanks to their fast and efficient response, EMS arrived within minutes and airlifted the victim to a nearby hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. The medical team confirmed that the early intervention by law enforcement was key to the teen's survival. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Further investigation led to the suspect’s arrest at a nearby residence. He was charged with Attempted Murder.

In a ceremony recognizing their bravery and professionalism, Detective Emkey and Deputies Filer, Fourquet, and Kent were honored with the Lifesaving Award. Their actions not only saved a life but ensured the suspect was quickly brought to justice, exemplifying the mission and dedication of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.