Dustin Seabolt Named Palm Harbor Firefighter of the Year

Firefighter/Paramedic Dustin Seabolt was chosen by his peers to receive the
Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Firefighter of the Year award.  Those who nominated
Dustin did so because of two life-saving incidents during 2012.

Dustin began his career with Palm Harbor Fire Rescue as a firefighter/EMT in
2002.  He obtained his paramedic certification in 2007.

The first incident occurred on June 24, 2012 during the time that our area was
experiencing extreme weather and flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Debby.

Firefighter/Paramedic Seabolt was assigned to Brush Truck 68 as a storm unit
and dispatched to a call for children in distress in rapidly moving water.
Upon arrival at the scene, Dustin found and quickly assessed a situation in
which a 15-year-old male was in distress, caught in rapidly moving water. The
patient advised Dustin that he could no longer hold on and was going to let go
of a tree branch he was clinging to.  A short distance down from the child was
a drainage pipe that funneled the rapidly moving water under Alt 19.  The
water was moving so quickly it was apparent that if the child let go he would
be pulled under and into the drainage ditch.

Without delay, FFPM Seabolt donned the safety line that he had secured to a
tree and jumped into the water.  Once he reached the child he held him until
help arrived to assist in his getting the child to safety.  Upon removal both
the child and Firefighter Seabolt were exhausted.  It is clear that without
Firefighter's Seabolt's assistance the boy would not have been able to hold
himself there much longer.  Dustin, without hesitation and at great personal
risk, went into the water.  For this incident, Dustin was also awarded the
Medal of Gallantry.

The second incident occurred on August 7, 2012.  Firefighter Seabolt was
assigned to Engine 65 when dispatched to a townhouse fire.  Upon arrival
Dustin was assigned to the fire attack team.  After stretching a hose line
into the fire building, Dustin began to perform a search of the first floor
kitchen area. He quickly found an unconscious woman, called for assistance,
and removed her from the fire to awaiting firefighters who provided emergency care. (Read about the fire)

These two incidents have demonstrated Dustin's dedication to the department
and the community, we are proud to have him represent Palm Harbor Fire Rescue as the Firefighter of the Year.

Thanks to Liz Monforti at Palm Harbor Fire Rescue for submitting this information.

Related-

• Woman Critically Injured in Condo Fire
• Tropical Storm Debby: Flooding Closes Tampa Rd.
• Debby Floods Condo Complex Lake
• Debby's Floodwaters Damage Road
• Tropical Storm Debby: Crews Repair Lake St. George Drive

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