2022 PHFR Firefighter of the Year- Mike Ross

Photo by Palm Harbor Fire RescueFirefighter Ross
On August 28, 2022, Firefighter Ross removed an unconscious patient from a submerged vehicle while off duty (with his wife Tara who witnessed the vehicle enter the water with the victim inside). The vehicle (SUV) was backing down a boat ramp and could not stop and the occupant could not get out. The vehicle was completely submerged in brackish water with little to no visibility. Mike entered the water, used a rock to break a side window, conducted a quick search of the vehicle, and unfortunately could not locate the victim. Mike then went to the rear of the SUV, broke the rear window, entered the vehicle, found the occupant, rescued her, and brought her to the shore completely unresponsive. Mike and Tara immediately started CPR and contacted 911. We are happy to announce his (and his wife's) efforts resulted in a FULL recovery of the occupant. Congratulations and Thank You!