Manatee County Deputy Saves Drowning Swimmer, Wins Award

Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Brett Getman received the agency's 2025 Deputy of the Year award after rescuing a drowning swimmer during a beach patrol in August.

On August 9, bystanders flagged down Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman while they patrolled the beach. Two men were struggling in the water more than 100 yards from shore, caught in a strong current. Getman radioed dispatch to contact the Marine Unit, Coast Guard, and Beach Patrol, then removed his gear and swam out to reach one of the swimmers while Bowman remained on shore as a spotter.

Getman reached the first man, directed him to hold onto a float, and swam back to shore with him. He then instructed Beach Patrol to use their board to rescue the second swimmer, who was still in the water. Beach Patrol brought the second man to shore, and the MCSO Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina where EMS waited. Both men were hospitalized for treatment.

Sheriff Rick Wells and Stephen Hall, vice president of loss prevention for Bealls, presented the award to Getman.