Palm Harbor Firefighter Of Year Honored For Underwater Rescue

PALM HARBOR, FL — Palm Harbor firefighter Mike Ross has been named Firefighter of the Year for 2022.

On Aug. 28, Ross removed an unconscious patient from a submerged vehicle while off duty with his wife Tara, who witnessed the vehicle enter the water with the victim inside. The SUV was backing down a boat ramp and the driver was unable to stop or get out of the SUV.

The SUV was completely submerged in brackish water with little to no visibility. Ross entered the water, used a rock to break a side window and searched the SUV but couldn't locate the driver.

Ross then went to the rear of the SUV, broke the rear window, entered the vehicle, found the driver, who he brought to the shore completely unresponsive. Ross, along with his wife, immediately started CPR and contacted 911. The driver has since made a full recovery.