Safety Harbor awards Medal of Bravery to fire crew after December incident at Station 53

The Safety Harbor City Commission on April 7 recognized and presented the Fire Chief Unit Citation and Medals of Bravery to firefighters who responded after a vehicle struck personnel and Fire Station 53 on Dec. 6.

Fire Chief Andrew Hawkins described the Dec. 6 incident: a vehicle traveling northbound on Wama Booth Road turned toward the front of Fire Station 53 and struck Captain Joey Hands and firefighter-paramedic Ryan Craig while crews were performing morning checks. "Captain Hands was thrown approximately 50 feet towards the back of the apparatus bay, where he ended up underneath a reserve fire engine, face down and unconscious," Hawkins said.

Hawkins said crews immediately requested additional resources, retrieved medical equipment and treated the injured. "Captain Hands was the most critically injured. He was declared a trauma alert and airlifted to the nearest trauma center. Ryan Craig received minor injuries and was later seen by a doctor," Hawkins said. He additionally praised the actions and leadership of Captain Tom Peters, firefighter-paramedic Amber Healy and the entire crew for the positive outcome.

Hawkins said Captain Hands, who stood with presenters at the ceremony, "is expected to make a full recovery and return to work this summer." The commission presented medals to Captain Tom Peters, firefighter-paramedic Amber Healy, firefighter-paramedic Travis Trask, firefighter EMT Chase Glenn and paramedic Liam Bridal.

The recognition was ceremonial; no policy action or ordinance resulted from the presentation. The department said the crew’s response saved a life and involved coordination among station personnel and emergency services.