Hillsborough County Firefighter of the Year - Captain Tracey MacDonald

Captain Tracy MacDonald received the Chet Tharpe firefighter of the year award based on heroism.  Captain Tracy MacDonald had just returned from a call at Hillsborough County Fire Station 33 when he saw something that wasn't quite right.

As he was walking back into the station, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a car go off the road and into a pond. An elderly woman had lost control of her vehicle at the corner of Falkenburg and Palm River Road and her car was sinking fast. Captain McDonald unselfishly and at great personal risk, entered a pond to rescue the driver of the submerging vehicle.  Captain McDonald’s quick thinking and skillful action was instrumental in saving her life.  Due to his efforts, she suffered no injuries.

It is believed that had Captain MacDonald not performed as he did, this individual’s life may well have been lost.  His actions and courage at this scene of near tragedy reflect greatly upon himself and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. 

His is assigned at Station 11 in Brandon, and he is a member of the department’s Special Operations team and the Urban Search and Rescue team.  He has been part of Special Operations for approximately 11 years. 

Captain MacDonald has distinguished himself above all others by this selfless act
of heroism and his devotion to duty.