Bradenton Firefighter Shot by Police Identified

The Bradenton Fire Department has released the identity of the firefighter shot and killed following a Sunday night standoff with police.

Donald “Donnie” Wendt joined the Bradenton department in 2003.

His passion for fire service began while he was in the military, a statement from Fire Chief Charles Edwards said.

Wendt volunteered with the Cedar Hammock-Southern Manatee department following military service. He was called to serve again with the U.S. Army Reserve less than a year after joining the Bradenton department full-time. He served 13 months in Iraq, Edward wrote.

Once that tour of duty was completed, Wendt returned to Bradenton and was promoted through the ranks to become a firefighter/engineer.

He was an avid volunteer with the Bradenton Fire Fighters Association’s annual Community Haven holiday event. He also helped fellow firefighters, Edwards said.

“(He) was awarded the BFFA Above and Beyond Award (2005) and the BFD Distinguished Service Medal (2008),” the statement said. “Also in 2008, Donnie was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth highest individual military award, for his heroic efforts during Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

Wendt was shot and killed Sunday night following a domestic disturbance.

The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. in the 3300 block of Oxford Drive West when a domestic situation turned violent, Brandenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski said. Wendt walked out of his home and said he was going to kill himself and his sister.

Neighbors called 911.

When police arrived, Wendt was in his home. A hostage negotiator and the SWAT team were called out, Radzilowski said.

As SWAT was setting up, he “walked out of his house with two handguns (and) pointed one of the guns at the officers,” Radzilowski said. “An officer fired one round.”

That round killed him.

“There are no words sufficient to express the profound sadness that the BFD family feels, though our anguish certainly cannot compare to what Donnie’s family is experiencing,” Edwards’ statement said.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Bradenton Fire Department

See Also:

• Bradenton Firefighter Killed in Standoff with Police