The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners had a commendation ceremony on December 17, where the Sun City Center Emergency Squad was honored for their service and dedication to the community. Chief Mike Bardell was there to receive the commendation on behalf of the volunteer squad, as reported by Hillsborough County Newsroom. The all-volunteer squad has been responding to emergencies since 1964, offering a range of community support services such as free CPR training and disaster planning, emphasizing their commitment to not only act in crises but also to prevent them.
With an annual call volume nearing 4,000 ambulance requests, the Sun City Center Emergency Squad’s efforts extend beyond their immediate interventions. They’ve recently earned the EMS World/NAEMT 2025 Volunteer EMS Service of the Year Award. Displaying the grit and vigor often misattributed to youth, these 370 volunteers show that age, averaging at 70, is not a barrier to service or heroism. Bardell, embodying the squad’s spirit, told the Hillsborough County Newsroom, “The truth is, the true heroes are the 370 volunteers.” He added, “Just because we’re retired doesn’t mean we’re done.”…