County commissioners name Fire Professionals of the Year
October 12, 2022 - During Tuesday’s board meeting, Pinellas County Commissioners honored the 2022 Fire Professionals of the Year for going above and beyond the call of duty. Michael Ross, a firefighter and paramedic with Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, received the top honor. While off-duty, Ross saved the life of a neighbor whose car slipped into the water at a county boat ramp. Calvin Hunsinger, regional 911 supervisor, was named Fire Dispatcher of the year for helping a panicked resident as flames and smoke engulfed their home. The Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team, comprised of 120 members from the St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Largo and Clearwater Fire Departments, was named the Special Operations Team of the Year. According to the release, the team uses special equipment and techniques to perform high-risk rescues.