BRADENTON, Fla. ( WWSB ) - The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office honored their own Friday, recognizing examples during the last year of bravery, clear thinking and genuine love of the community.

Five individuals stood out from among the rest:

Deputy of the Year 2025

Sgt. Brett Getman

On August 9, 2025, Sgt. Brett Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman were conducting a beach patrol when they were suddenly flagged down to assist two individuals who were being swept away by the strong current and clearly in distress.

Sgt. Getman saw two men struggling against the current, 100 yards or more from the shore. Recognizing their immediate danger, Sergeant Getman promptly advised dispatch to contact the Marine Unit, the Coast Guard, and Beach Patrol.

Understanding the risk of drowning they faced, h

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