The Fire Professional of the Year Award was presented on behalf of the Pinellas County Fire & EMS to Twardowski and Brennan in appreciation for their dedication to the fire service and in recognition of their heroic efforts during a residential house fire.
Earlier this year, Derek and Riley were on Rescue 34 responding to a house fire with reports of heavy smoke showing and victims trapped in the structure. Without hesitation, both Twardowski and Brennan took the initiative to enter the structure and remove the unconscious victim from the burning home to safety. Riley began treatment on the burn victim’s wife for smoke inhalation as other fire units began arriving on scene.
Derek immediately notified dispatch of a trauma alert due to the victim's 2nd and 3rd degree burns. He began advanced treatment and accompanied the patient with Sunstar to the Burn Center at Tampa General Hospital.
Both Derek and Riley show a genuine commitment to serve the citizens of our City and they risked their own lives in making this heroic rescue.
Derek is a 23 year veteran of the Pinellas Park Fire Department. Riley is a 3rd generation firefighter and was hired by Pinellas Park in 2020.