A Bradenton firefighter was shot and killed during a standoff with police officers Sunday night.

According to authorities, firefighter Donald "Donnie" Wendt was involved in the standoff with a SWAT team at 9:15 p.m. outside a home in the 3300 block of Oxford Drive West in West Bradenton.

Officials said Wendt, who had threatened to kill himself and his sister, came out of the home after talking with negotiators. Officials said when he exited the home, he pointed two guns at officers. At that time, Bradenton Police SWAT Officer Jason Nuttall fired one shot, killing Wendt.

“It's a tragedy. The police and fireman work hand in hand together. Fire scenes, sick cases, traffic accidents. Everybody knows everybody,” said Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation.

“What FDLE has to figure out was this a suicide by cop? What was going on in the fireman's mind?” said Radzilowski.

Bradenton Fire Department Chief Charles Edwards issued a statement mourning the loss of Wendt, 50.

"There are no words sufficient to express the profound sadness that the BFD family feels. Though our anguish certainly cannot compare to what Donnie's family is experiencing.

Donnie had great passion for the fire service, which began while in the military. After his service, he was a volunteer firefighter with Cedar Hammock-Southern Manatee while working at Ten-8 Fire Equipment. He joined the BFD in December 2003 and, less than a year later, he was sent to Iraq for 13 months with the United States Army Reserve. He returned to the department and promoted through the ranks to Firefighter/Engineer. 

During his tenure, he volunteered with the Bradenton Fire Fighters Association (BFFA) at the annual Community Haven holiday event, gave of his time to help fellow department members, was awarded the BFFA Above and Beyond Award (2005) and the BFD Distinguished Service Medal (2008). Also in 2008, Donnie was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth highest individual military award, for his heroic efforts during Operation Iraqi Freedom.”