A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been recognized by Gov. Rick Scott for saving two people from a burning car earlier this year. On late August, MCSO Deputy Willie Finklea was off duty when he saw smoke from a car and pulled over to help. The electronics malfunctioned and the two motorists were trapped inside while other emergency personnel were on the way to the scene. Deputy Finklea shot out a window and was able to reach the motorists, who were able to escape and make it safely away from the fire before the car engulfed in flames. Finklea was given the Governor’s Medal of Heroism for his actions.
