Mayor Ayoub and the City Commission recognized Firefighter/EMT Holly Warkenthien on her retirement from the Safety Harbor Fire Department at the April 17, 2023, Commission meeting.
Holly began her career in Safety Harbor as a volunteer Firefighter in 1989. In 1990, she accepted a part-time position, then earned a full-time position in 1991. When she was hired as a full-time firefighter, she was the only female firefighter in the Department.
On the path to becoming a great firefighter, Holly started by working as a driver, and in time, went on to drive our rescue boats. She responded to forest fires in the Department’s old brush truck and then started driving the engine in 1997. In the early 2000’s Holly became a permanent driver and in 2002 became a fire inspector where she assisted in fire prevention in addition to her duties as a line firefighter. Holly was also an acting officer for 17 years.
Holly gives a lot of her time and love back to the community. After patients are medically taken care of, Holly will often comfort family members who have lost a loved one or take a few minutes to talk to veterans to make them feel special. Holly has been involved in the great American teach-in, visiting Paul B. Stephens School with her Newfoundland dogs as therapy animals with a group called Project Pup, and even once brought a horse to a nursing home.
🎉 Congratulations, FF/EMT Warkenthien! Enjoy your retirement. You’ll be missed!
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Mayor Ayoub and the City Commission recognized Captain Mike Pounds on his retirement from the Safety Harbor Fire Department at the April 17, 2023, Commission meeting.
In his 26 years with the City, Mike earned the Firefighter of the Year Award 4 times, along with the John Marronni Firefighter of the Year Award for Pinellas County. In addition to his professionalism, he brings a spirit to the Department that is hard to replicate. His ability to entertain adults and children alike is shown best in the way he’s represented Safety Harbor as Sparky, the mascot Fire Dog. He’s even won a Mascot Dance Off Competition against the more well-known mascots like Raymond from the Tampa Bay Rays and Thunder Bug from the Tampa Bay Lightning. (Check out his sweet moves here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssihr8RFJA0
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Throughout the years, Pounds has developed strong friendships among his brothers and sisters. Mike had a close friendship with Retired Fire Marshal Dick Brock, who he’s been honoring with the Dick Brock Memorial Ride for the last three years. The event and the funds raised by the event have gone to benefit The Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida.
🎉 Congratulations, Captain Pounds! Enjoy your retirement. You’ll be missed!
