Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Thanks First Responders for Help After Fire

HUDSON, FL — When an August electrical fire knocked out power and forced an evacuation of patients at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, more than 40 agencies, hospitals and individual volunteers from Pasco County and surrounding areas came together to help. That outpouring of support prompted HCA West Florida, the hospital’s parent company, to search for a way to extend its thanks.

HCA showed its gratitude on Oct. 14 by making a $50,000 donation to the Pasco County Fire Rescue Amador J. Gonzalo Training Center.

“We are making this donation in recognition and appreciation for the extraordinary and heroic effort demonstrated by the area’s Fire and EMS services in the face of the catastrophic power failure experienced at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point,” said Peter Marmerstein, president and CEO of HCA West Florida. “The entire Tampa Bay Region can take comfort in knowing their first responders are the very best.”

The training center was selected to receive the donation because it benefits the entire region, explained Shayne George, CEO of the Bayonet Point hospital.

“The Pasco County Fire Rescue Training Center conducts fire, EMS and hazmat training and is a state credentialed training facility that has the ability to instruct all classes that are approved by the Florida State Fire College,” George said. “Classes are offered to all career and volunteer personnel to help in education and safety. Pasco County as well as surrounding counties benefit from this state-of-the-art training center.”

The fire that prompted such a response broke out the evening of Aug. 31. While the blaze was quickly knocked down, 225 patients required immediate evacuation to other facilities. Within a short amount of time, more than 70 ambulances from Pasco and surrounding counties turned out to assist.

“We recognized the extraordinary efforts, coordination, and heroism throughout the event and we extend our sincerest thanks to everyone involved,” the hospital wrote in a statement following the fire.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at 14000 Fivay Road. The hospital closed for about a week after the fire, but is again accepting patients.

To find out more about the fire rescue training center, visit Pasco County online.

Photo credit: Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Scott Cassin accepts a $50,000 check from Shayne George, CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Photo courtesy of HCA West Florida