Sergeant Getman Rescues Two Men From Rip Current at Bradenton Beach

Sergeant Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office received the agency's 2025 Deputy of the Year award for rescuing two men from a strong rip current on August 9.

Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman spotted the men struggling about 100 yards from shore during a routine beach patrol. Getman radioed dispatch for the Marine Unit, Coast Guard, and Beach Patrol, then swam out without his gear while Bowman stayed on shore to watch.

Getman reached one man, told him to hold a float, and guided him back to shore. Beach Patrol arrived and used a board to rescue the second man. The Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina, where EMS treated both men at a local hospital.

Sheriff Rick Wells and Stephen Hall, Bealls Division vice president of loss prevention, recognized Getman's actions.