Hospitalized Sarasota firefighter cheered upon his release from care

A Sarasota County firefighter hospitalized during an emergency response Sunday in the Pinecraft neighborhood was released from the hospital on Thursday.

Lt. Clay Huber was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital after experiencing a medical emergency while at the scene of a residential fire in the 1000 block of Herndon Place.

Crews provided emergency medical assistance before the firefighter was transported to SMH on Sunday from the scene. He was later reported as awake, talking and responding well to care.

More than 100 first responders and hospital staff cheered Huber as he emerged from the Rehabilitation Pavilion of SMH.

The nature of Huber’s medical emergency was not disclosed.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, partner agencies, and everyone who has kept Lt. Huber, his family, and our personnel in their thoughts,’’ a release from the Sarasota County Fire Department said. “His homecoming is a powerful reminder of the strength of the fire service family and the community we are proud to serve."