Manatee County Honors 25 Years of Service by Search & Rescue Volunteers
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners this week recognized the 25th anniversary of Manatee County Search & Rescue, proclaiming October 21, 2025, as Manatee County Search & Rescue Day in honor of the volunteer organization’s decades of service.
Founded in 1999, Manatee County Search & Rescue is a volunteer-based team composed of firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers who dedicate their time and expertise to emergency response efforts throughout the region and across Florida. Over the past quarter-century, the organization has assisted in hurricane deployments, missing person cases, water rescues, and disaster recovery operations.
The proclamation commended the group for its professionalism, community service, and commitment to safety. It also recognized the organization’s efforts to invest in the training and education of its members, including funding EMT and paramedic schooling and providing specialized instruction in medical and technical rescue fields.
County commissioners praised the team for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism and community partnership, noting its strong collaboration with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency response agencies.
Manatee County Search & Rescue members expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their ongoing dedication to serving residents with compassion, integrity, and teamwork as they enter their next 25 years of service.
