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.
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, he removed his gear and entered the water while Deputy Bowman stayed on the shore as a spotter. Sergeant Getman swam out to one of the men, directing him to hold onto the float while keeping him alert. Together, they managed to swim back to the shore.
When they reached the shore, Beach Patrol arrived, and Sgt. Getman instructed them to take their board and assist the other individual who was still in the water trying to stay afloat.
Ultimately, the second individual was rescued by Beach Patrol, and the MCSO Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina, where EMS met them. Both individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In acknowledgment of his quick thinking, decisive actions, and willingness to risk his own life to save another, Sgt. Brett Getman has been named MCSO's 2025 Deputy of the Year.
Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres
In May, while returning home from work, MCSO Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres observed a vehicle crash while traveling northbound on US 41 in Hillsborough County.
Jose immediately pulled over and approached the driver, who seemed to be having a seizure.
Before he could assist, the driver became unresponsive. Aware of the critical situation, Jose checked for a pulse and found none.
With the assistance of another bystander, they safely extracted the driver from the vehicle and began CPR. He and the bystander persisted in their life-saving efforts until Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived and took over the care.
The victim was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital, where it was learned that the victim survived largely due to the quick thinking and decisive actions of Jose.
In acknowledgment of his willingness to act without hesitation, courage, compassion, and service beyond the call of duty, Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres has been named MCSO's 2025 Employee of the Year.
Deputy Daniel Ensign and Resource Assistance Case Manager Wanda Alejandre
Deputy Daniel Ensign and RAP Case Manager Wanda Alejandre regularly exceed expectations with individuals in need.
On one recent occasion, they both engaged with an elderly, homeless veteran. During these encounters, Deputy Ensign encouraged the man to pursue treatment for his alcoholism, doing so with respect and compassion.
On the most recent occasion, the man was discovered behind a business, seated in his walker, appearing frail and defeated. Deputy Ensign inquired if he was prepared to change his lifestyle, to which the man consented.
Subsequently, Deputy Ensign reached out to Wanda, and together they devised a plan to assist him with entering the Salvation Army program and being screened for an assisted living facility in Sarasota.
When the man arrived at the Salvation Army, he was not in a hygienic condition suitable for a dorm. His clothing was both tight and dirty, and he was unable to remove them or take a shower without assistance.
Within 48 hours of the man's stay at the Salvation Army, Wanda coordinated his screening, and he was accepted into the assisted living facility.
After moving to his new residence, Deputy Ensign and Wanda continued to help the man. They learned homeless individuals were contacting the facility, attempting to gain access to the man's bank cards and accounts, so they took the man to the bank to obtain new cards and update his financial information to prevent him from being victimized.
Deputy Ensign and Wanda consistently checked in on him, and several months after the man had settled into the facility, his health started to deteriorate.
As his body began to fail, he was placed under hospice care. His family was informed, yet they were unwilling to visit. Deputy Ensign and Wanda persisted in offering support and visiting the man, demonstrating respect and compassion.
In recognition of their commitment to the community and their treatment of all individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion, Deputy Daniel Ensign and Case Manager Wanda Alejandre have been named the recipients of the 2025 MCSO Bealls Humanitarian Award.
Coralee Garrison
Coralee Garrison has been a dedicated volunteer for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office since August 2015. She is currently assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit and serves various roles by patrolling neighborhoods and shopping centers and providing advice to enhance community safety.
In the past year, she has participated in 10 health fairs across the county, aiding in the collection and disposal of unwanted or unused medications.
She has also been involved in numerous events supporting both the community and the Sheriff's Office.
On two occasions, Coralee opened her home and was featured in PSAs on the MCSO social media platforms to educate the community about common scams impacting seniors.
In April and July 2025, she organized a community outreach event that engaged the Palm Lake Estates community with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
During these events, Coralee coordinated activities, arranged food for the attendees, and created a welcoming atmosphere where hundreds gathered and interacted with deputies.
Additionally, she is a member of the MCSO Employment Eligibility Board, which includes agency personnel and citizens appointed by the Sheriff.
This board reviews applicant files of all external candidates to ensure they meet or exceed the minimum qualification standards for employment eligibility at MCSO.
In 2024, Coralee volunteered a total of 179 hours, and so far in 2025, she has contributed 127 hours.
In recognition of her commitment to our community and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Coralee Garrison has been named the recipient of the 2025 Robert and Dan E. Molter Memorial Volunteer Award.