Palm Harbor Firefighter Named Florida Firefighter of the Year

Palm Harbor firefighter Dustin Seabolt has been named the Florida firefighter of the year. 

This is the third award within a year for Seabolt, who was namePalm Harbor firefighter of the year in 2012 and in February was named Pinellas County firefighter of the year. 

 "It is truly humbling to recognize the courageous work that is done by our fire service and rescue professionals every single day" said Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater in a news release. "Congratulations Dustin, your family, friends and community are very proud."

Seabolt was nominated after two heroic rescues. The first happened on June 24, 2012 when he saved a 15-year-old boy from drowning during Tropical Storm Debby. 

The teen was clinging to a tree branch in flooding water and told Seabolt he could no longer hold on. According to a news release, Seabolt did not hesitate a jumped in to save the teen. 

According to Palm Harbor Fire & Rescue, the second standout rescue occurred in August 2012 when Seabolt saved an unconscious woman from the first floor of a burning townhome. 

"These men and women are the true role models of our state. Notwithstanding the risk they take with each call to help someone in need, they rush to the aid of their neighbors, friends and communities," said Atwater in a news release.

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