NBC WATERTOWN'S 2024 HOMETOWN HERO AWARDS
Nov 27, 2024 07:01PM ● By Nicole Petrus
NBC Watertown asked the North Country to nominate a First Responder or Medical Professional that has made a positive impact in their life. The North Country did not disappoint. We received over 130 nominations, nominations that were so heartfelt that picking five was unrealistic. Out of the 135 nominations, the team narrowed it down to ten nominees. Upon further discussion, six nominees were chosen to be the 2024 Hometown Heroes Award recipients.
The recipients are:
LUKAS KOMPAN
Registered Nurse &EMT
On Monday, November 25, 2024 NBC Watertown had the pleasure of honoring the six Heroes at a catered award ceremony at Garland City Surrounded by their families, friends, colleges and superiors, the six award winners were presented with a customized engraved plaque by Stunning Engraving & Graphics, beautiful centerpieces by Jen's Backroad Blooms and gift bag provided by Sam's Club of Watertown.ERIN BIER
Speech PathologistJOHNNA SIMSER
Corrections OfficerJASON MATICE
Registered NurseCHUCK WAUGH
FirefighterSHELDON MOOT
Police Officer
Congratulations to all six heroes. Your dedication and service to your community does not go unnoticed.
NBC Watertown would like to thank the First Responders and the Medical Professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. We would also like to thank all of the 135 people who nominated their hero. Although there were only six winners of the award, NBC Watertown would like to congratulate all of the nominees with an honorable mention.
The nominees are as listed:
Amanda Adrian- Paramedic/Captain
Amanda works tirelessly for our family, her agency, her staff, coworkers and patients that she cares for making sure that she is giving them the best care that she possibly can. On top of her job as a Paramedic and Captain at Search and Rescue, she is a full-time wife and mother to two very busy children. Amanda helps me navigate their never ending activities and sports, appointments, school meetings and gets creative about ways to implement family events within her agency as well. She is a true superhero to her patients, but even moreso to myself and our children who have spent hours visiting her and checking out the ambulances and exploring their mommy's "office".
Amanda Henry- Chief of the Carthage Rescue Squad
She is the chief of the Carthage rescue squad and she single handedly brought a dying essential agency back to life. Under her watch the ambulance squad has returned to a functioning agency that has grown in leaps and bounds. She is a hero to all of Carthage in my eyes. Without her leadership I don’t think we would have an ambulance squad that is such a fine tuned agency. I know that most hero’s do something above and beyond well I couldn’t not nominate her as she is the reason we have a squad with emts and fully functioning after a scandalous past! That is a hero to all! Especially if you need an ambulance in a rural setting!
Anthony Reed- Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Tony is a super nurse. Someone everyone in the ED looks up to and goes to for help; a fearless leader. Tony goes above and beyond picking up countless hrs of OT to help staff and the community by providing well above the standard care.
Becky Reynolds- Veterinarian
Becky is veterinarian at Watertown Animal Hospital. She is consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment and availability to attend to the needs of all pets at all times. I am nominating Becky due to her remarkable devotion to the welfare of animals in Jefferson County. While veterinarians are often overlooked as first responders, they undoubtedly play a critical role.
Brian Trickey- Alexandria Bay’s Volunteer Department- 3rd assistant fire chief
Brian goes above and beyond for his community and his family! He risks his life to help other people.
Brooke Garrow- LPN at the State Psychiatric Center
She goes above and beyond while working and while off duty helping anyone in need. Never stopping or sitting down. The type of person that will see someone struggling and go out of there way to help someone.
Bruce Wright- CEO, Guilfoyle Ambulance/Paramedic
Bruce is a pillar in our community. As CEO and owner of Guilfoyle Ambulance Service, he is tasked with running a service that is overutilized and underpaid. He often works many hours outside of his CEO position to make sure the people in our area receive top notch medical care when transported by ambulance! Outside of this role, he serves as an assistant lacrosse and an assistant football coach for the Watertown Cyclones and has for several years. Finally, when my son died by suicide, Bruce was the first person to show up, to offer assistance, and to open his home to me and my family. When my mother was homebound, he visited her often and helped out around her home. Last year when she was dying, he visited every single day and walked me through the difficult process of navigating end of life care. All of this while being a husband and a father to two active boys. Bruce does all of this with grace and unwavering dedication to our community. For these reasons, and so many more, I wish to nominate Bruce Wright for your hero award!
Caitlyn Kinneer- LPN
Because she makes a difference in everyone’s day and she is the most thoughtful and caring person out there and she does so much for the people in the Samaritan keep home nursing home
Carrie Mangino- JCSD Detective
Does a great job. Very fair and honest. Works well with all organizations.
I am nominating this hero because she is not only my mother but my protector. My mother has been an advocate for many people and continues to support the county and put her best foot forward in everything she does for our community.
Carrie Weaver- Surgical Scrub Tech
She has worked at Samaritan for over 20 years in their OR. She has helped many people prior to surgery. She makes the patients and their families feel Comfortable prior, during and after their procedures. She is always helping others and putting their needs above her own.
Charity Amo- LPN
Charity is a hardworking nurse and a wonderful mom. Staff who work with her at the describe her as the mom - she keeps everything running smoothly. She is very caring, kind and goes out of her way to make the patient along with family comfortable during their time at the hospital. She works at Clayton Hepburn Hospital, Ogdensburg.
Chelsea Forney- Nurse Practitioner
She has helped and guided my husband and I through many difficulties with pregnancy. She is constantly finding new out of the box strategies for people like who struggle like us. She is supportive and reassuring to our journey. She is a great nurse, and truly cares about every patient that comes through her door. Brightening each persons day!
Chelsea Johnson- Respiratory Therapist/Manager
Chelsea is amazing and goes above and beyond for her patients and employees. She ensures that her employees are taken care of and has an uplifting way of taking care of her patients as well.
They are amazing at what they do and show up every day to help others.
Chelsea works endless hours providing care for newborns to end of life situations. She helps them breathe through their medical condition allowing them to get better.
Not only is Chelsea a respiratory therapist at Carthage Hospital, she also manages that department along with the sleep lab. She has recently taken on the responsibility of the same roles at Claxton Hepburn Hospital. Chelsea goes above and beyond for her patients every day, and ensures her staff is also taken care of. She loves her job and exhibits 110% every day.
Her work ethic and dedication to her staff, patients, family, and friends goes unmatched and she deserves some recognition.
Hard work and dedication
Christopher Christman- AEMT
Chris is the most caring, dedicated and patient AEMT I know no matter who you are. He took me under his wing and gave me the confidence that I lacked and shared and taught me the skills that I needed to become the best EMT that I could be. He is studying to be a paramedic at this time. Its so hard to find caring and dedicated people in the medical field anymore but Chris in one of the few that really cares about his patients.
Christopher Garceau- Assistant Chief of the Town of Clayton fire department
He is the assistant chief of the Town of Clayton fire department which is 100% entirely volunteer. He has been apart of this department for about 11 years and previously was with Lafargeville Fire Department since he was old enough to join. He always goes above and beyond for the department, his fellow firefighters and anyone in distress that he may be helping. He always signs up to volunteer for any and all activities with the department like chicken BBQ’s, social events and he also participates in Fire Prevention with the Guardino Elementary School in Clayton, NY every year. He also conducts all the training for the department and leads these trainings making sure all members of the department are ready for whatever is thrown their way. All the younger members of the department also look up to him for guidance, advice and clarity with all things, not just fire department related. He truly is a hometown hero.
Cody Capron- Paramedic for LifeNet
Cody is an amazing paramedic and he is an amazing person and deserves this award.
Colleen M Shear- LPN Nurse case manager at Guthrie Clinic Fort Drum
Colleen is caring, dedicated, devoted wife, daughter, and mother of 2 young children. She continues to work as a nurse even after her doctors told her she should stop working due to her Multiple Sclerosis. She never puts her needs first. She works through lunch stays late and even does researches ways to help her patients while off of work. She worries about her patients at all times. We constantly have people coming up to us and saying how much the job she did and how she did it meant to them. Even on days when the Multiple Sclerosis makes the simplest task even getting ready in the morning early impossible she goes in. Simply saying “ I want to help. It’s not about me.” Even after I was injured on the job as a New York State Correction Officer and was unable to return she never stopped let that keep her from caring for those who protect us and their families.
David Ferris- Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services
He goes above and beyond for all patients and staff and he always has the biggest smile on his face. Any time he is called to help out a patient, he will stay late and do whatever he can to make sure the needs of the patient are met. He always has a positive attitude and creates a welcoming, friendly work and patient environment.
Derek Eamer- Corrections Officer
A few years ago we were visiting my parents friends for a thanksgiving dinner. My parents friend had Parkinson’s disease for many years at this time so he had trouble speaking and chewing/swallowing. During the meal he choked on his dinner and was not breathing. My husband immediately took action and performed the Heimlich maneuver which he learned in the NYS DOCCS academy. He was able to get the food out and he saved his life. Because of this he was able to live a few more years before Parkinson’s disease eventually took his life. His wife still lives on pillar point and she always reminds us how my husband’s quick action allowed her to have more time with her husband.
Dr Jonathan Oliva- OB/GYN at Women’s Wellness and Breast Care
Dr Oliva made my (very successful VBAC) an amazing experience. He was very patient and encouraging. Hands down absolute BEST experience in my life.
So much that if I were guaranteed to have him deliver every time, I would have a few more babies.
Dr Peter Van Eenenaam- Orthopaedic Surgeon
He is very hardworking and is always looking out for his patients best interest.
Dr Rory Sears- Pulmonologist
Dr Sears is an inspiration; she always goes above and beyond for her patients and has such a passion for what she does. I was absolutely fascinated and engaged when she gave a lecture on bronchoscopies. Dr Sears is my hero, as she embraces Samaritans Heart Values in everything she does.
Dr. Jill Laureano- Primary Care Dr.
I neglected my preventive medical care for a long time as I just could not find a good fit! Several years ago, I was battling illness and met Dr. Laureano for my first time. I knew immediately that I was in my new medical home. She’s kind, informed, and not one bit judgmental. She is my hero because I am now working to make sure I keep up on tests and my general care.
Dr. Kaitlyn McGregor- Pediatrician
Everyday Dr. McGregor goes above and beyond for her patients. She makes sure that they get the appropriate care that they need and won’t stop until they are fully taken care of. I am beyond proud to say that I get to work with her every day. She puts her patients first! Dr. McGregor is an amazing person and deserves the recognition.
Erica Feola- Physician’s Assistant
Simply putt she is a walking miracle! She is just down to earth and one of the most caring people I have met. Always helping others regardless of her circumstances. She has managed to do this all while battling Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. By the way she is still kicking its butt.
Grace Hilborne- Registered Nurse
I’m so proud of her accomplishments
I’m very proud of how far she has come and she is a superstar!
Grace is truly amazing at her job and has a heart of gold. All of her patients are truly so lucky to have such a nurturing and caring RN.
She is great at her job and makes a great impact to claxton
Grace is new to the job but always puts forth her best effort daily at work. She strives to help those and does not stop until she is told to. She is a passionate and committed nurse.
Greta Gilson- Nurse / LPN
My mom has been in the medical field for as long as I can remember she pushes herself daily to help others in need of care.
Harry Faulk Jr- Fire Chief
Mr Faulk has been a volunteer fire fighter since he was a teenager and has been a fire chief for the Pamelia Fire Department for many years. His dedication to his department, the towns of Pamelia and LeRay, Jefferson county, and surrounding counties has never changed. He is always willing to help in any way he can. He is quick to respond any time the pager goes off and often helps neighboring departments whenever assistance is needed. Harry is a compassionate person who always steps up to help those in need in some of their most chaotic situations. Harry’s vast knowledge of the fire service helps not only on fire scenes but also during training events. Being a firefighter and fire chief is truly his biggest passion and he is a constant asset to the fire service sacrificing many things to be there to help those in need.
Howard O’Brien- First assistant chief with Pamelia Volunteer Fire Department and EMT-B with Guilfoyle
I’m nominating my father for this because he has done so much for any agency especially the ones he belongs to. My father will always buy someone’s needs before his own to make sure everyone is safe. My dad, is not only a hero to the community but he’s my hero. He is the one who taught me how to be the firefighter I am today, and he also taught me how to get through EMT class and be the best I can ever be.
Jacob Bolton- AEMT
He does so much for our community, constantly working long shifts, doing extra activities such as parades, cookouts, anything and everything to help raise money for our community. He loves what he does and continues to show determination.
Jacob is VERY proud of his job and is willing to help everyone.
Hard working in real care about is patient
Jay Morrow- Deputy Sheriff
He’s the most selfless person I know. Always putting others before himself
jay is an amazing guy who helps anyone he can! my family has known him for years, my dad has worked along side him at the department as well. all around a great person and is always looking to better his community. he also was in the military on fort drum
Jennie McLear- EMS & 911 Dispatcher
She has devoted her life to helping those in need. From her professional career as a 911 dispatcher to her personal volunteerism as EMS in various fire departments throughout the county.
Joanne Atkinson- Physician’s Assistant
I'm nominating Joanne because she is the most compassionate person. I have been her patient for several years, she took leave and I was sad that I was losing my favorite Dr, whom actually listened and cared and worked with me. Then last year I received a letter stating she was back and at the Philly medical center, I was over the moon. If anyone is looking for a dr/pa that listens to you not your insurance she is your girl!!! I have my son seeing her that's how much I like her and how good she is !!!
Jon Sullivan- Watertown City Firefighter
Jon has been a firefighter since the age of 18. He started his career as a volunteer for the Town of Watertown Fire Department. He has selflessly given his time and service to the members of the community in which he resides. Jon has seen many things in his career ranging from birth to death. He continues to make his family proud every single day. Always putting service about self.
Joshua Cox- NYS Trooper
Joshua has been a Nys trooper for 9 years, and he goes above and beyond what is required of him.A few years ago, he saved an elderly woman who was choking, while he was having breakfast with his wife, and was off-duty! He has also raised money for a woman with stage 4 cancer, a complete stranger! He is a very compassionate, hard-working, selfless human being, and I believe he deserves recognition!!
Joshua Wilcox- Firefighter & Paramedic
He is dedicated to helping people who are having the worst day of their life. It could be an illness, MVA or a house fire. He also responds to incidents that are less serious such as a person who just needs a lift assist. He also volunteers to extracurricular activities such as helping to organize the stair climb in Jefferson county in memory of 911 FF that died that day.
Julia Halteman- Paramedic
Julia is an amazing paramedic and she is an amazing person and deserves this award.
Julie Burrows- Paramedic
Julie continually goes above and beyond. She became an EMT and strived to become a Paramedic. She works tirelessly at 2 jobs to keep her skills and provide optimal health care to our patients. She also single handedly saved our organization thousands by revamping our supply room inventory.
Kaitlyn McGregor- Pediatrician
She is always going above and beyond for not only her patients but her co workers. She is the type to always go the extra mile and she deserves to be recognized for all of her hard work and dedication.
Kerri Pellam- Assistant Director of Nursing
She puts her heart into long term care. Always making employees feel like they are a person, not a body.
Lance Ronas- Paramedic
Always willing to teach no matter how sick he is, never gets angry when you do something wrong.
Larry Ventura- Old Forge Ambulance Department- driver and first responder
Old Forge has a shortage of crew. This summer every time we called for assistance Larry was the driver- he must work 24/7 along with volunteer work. His assistance on some pretty tough situations was professional and his dedication to the community and region is of a Super Hero. Despite his age, he continues to first respond as there is no one else to take the place. Some areas are touch such as rescuing up mountains, on the lakes and running them all the way to Utica or Lowville to the hospital.
Mackenzie Wheeler- Paramedic
My niece is my hero for many reasons, but in this case it is because of how she has embraced her calling to take care of others. When my dad, her grandpa, fell ill, she was in the ambulance to ride with him to ensure he wasn’t scared. She drove to the house just so she could go with him, as she wasn’t on shift . It was during a time when only one person could go in with my dad. She was able to stay because she was an EMT at the time. She was the one that stayed strong and helped me to stay to not fall apart, as we had to make quick decisions for my dad to be transported to Syracuse. She stayed with me until we had it all sorted out. When we took turns taking care of my dad in the following months, she would take her turn and bring her book to study for her paramedic test as she took care of her grandpa. She is currently at JCC in the nursing program while continuing to work as a paramedic. She is one of the strongest young women I know. She has found her calling …taking care of others in some of their worst moments and she is amazing at what she does. I am so proud to be her aunt!
Madison Calhoun-Paramedic
Madison is the hardest working person I know. She’s been in EMS since she was 16 and was one of the youngest paramedics in our county for a while. She’s worked in multiple different towns taking care of those who are sick or hurt. She always puts her patients priorities first. There are people who are born to be a medic and she is one of those. I think she is the most deserving of this. Not only did she strive to get her medic card but she’s now going above and beyond to help more by getting her RN and training to be a flight medic. This isn’t her job, it’s her passion.
I am nominating this hero because Madison Calhoun is one of the strongest working young females I’ve ever met. She started as a junior EMT while in high school at TIERS, our local thousand islands emergency response service. Madison has moved quickly up the ladder at her organization by working and studying endlessly. She is dedicated to her job, is constantly training to make herself better, all while dedicating her free time to our local Clayton and Cape Vincent community. She works with children, parades, event centers, all trying to make our local area a better place to live.
Marisa
Bleau- EMT
Because she is great at what she does…. She is caring with the patients, is
always a ray of sunshine when she comes in brightening the ER and gives a great
bedside report! I love working when she is on at the squad
I can’t think of anyone better deserving of recognition than Marissa. She is delightful to work with and any patient would be lucky to have her take care of them. She is truly dedicated to her role, and is extremely knowledgeable in her field. She gives thorough and appropriate patient reports every time.
Mark Souva-EMT
He gives back to the community
Michael Barbarito- Volunteer Firefighter
He will help anyone who needs the help. He now has our 10 year old son who loves assisting with things at the fire dept and doing drills to learn about what you need to do.
Michael Hoch- Volunteer firefighter/assistant fire chief
My dad has served in the Croghan volunteer fire department for over 25 years as a volunteer firefighter and fire chief. He’s been a dedicated member and he deserves to be recognized for all of his hard work
Millie Smith- Registered Nurse
I have worked with Millie for the past 20 years and have seen Millie impact many lives of participant's with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Millie is truly a hero for the participants that we serve within our agency. Millie is also a hero to our staff and took the lead in implementing infection control policies to keep both our staff and participants safe during the recent pandemic. Millie is known to step in during any type of health/ safety concern.
Nicole Acker- 911 Dispatcher/ Corrections Officer
Nicole has only been on the job for just over two years and has handled some of the most stressful situations with nothing but grace and professionalism. I continually tell our superiors that I am so impressed by her. I cannot believe how well she handles high stress situations including a house fire with the family trapped inside.
Nicole Goodale- Paramedic
Nicole always goes above and beyond to make not only her patients but her coworkers and friends feel safe, loved, and well taken care of. She’s honest, kind, and loyal to a fault. She’s there for her loved ones day and night always so selflessly.
Olivia Thomas- School Nurse
She is a hero on and off the job! She has been in the medical field since she was 21 years old, she has a passion for taking care of people, starting at the Jefferson county hospice for 8 years, to Samaritan dermatology for a few years to now finding her true passion and career as a school nurse where she is always choosing the students and their health first!! As her husband I know she does much more for those kids than just be a nurse, and the kids see that! She has always been a dedicated employee no matter the career with choosing work first!
Patrick O’Connell- Paramedic
I am nominating Patrick because he has dedicated his life to first responder. He worked for many years at Lewis County search and rescue and then continued his education to become a paramedic. He is an asset to the community. He lives in as well as the greater Jefferson Lewis County area. I nominate him because I’ve had so many people tell me what a wonderful job he did in their time of need. Whether it was a friend from England or community members that I know, Patrick is known to be extremely professional and caring. Is dedicated to helping others. he has been involved and was on the charter board with Priority Wellness.
Pat is an amazing paramedic and he is an amazing person and deserves this award.
Rachael Fuller- Maturnity RN
Rachael was phenomenal when I was in labor. Anytime I needed something she was right there. She was an amazing coach when I wanted to give up. She was so supportive after I gave birth also.
Rachel Paige- ER RN
Rachel goes above and beyond for her patients. I have witnessed her single handedly save someone’s life, advocating and knowing best for her patients. She is a phenomenal nurse, and I’m lucky to have her as both a co-worker and friend.
Ryan Bleidorn- Paramedic
I’m nominating my husband because he has been my rock since we had our daughter last September. Our daughter had several medical issues in the first year of her life, some resulting in ER trips. Without his knowledge, care, and understanding I don’t know where I’d be without him! I see his kindness reflect in his work and with people he takes care of, and he has always been someone that I can go to with any questions and I never feel judged!
Sarah Scouten- Nursing Supervisor
Sarah is confronted with numerous difficult situations after normal business hours. Sarah leads the night shift staff through emergencies when the majority of hospital personnel are home sleeping. She has built a strong bond among staff members, while taking great care of our patients. Sarah's leadership skills and dedication to supporting our night shift staff makes a positive difference in employee satisfaction.
Seth Stevens- Volunteer Firefighter
He volunteers his time to our community and serves for all of us no matter the time or day
Shaun Cuddeback- Sheriff/Police Officer
He is an amazing person and officer
Sonya Holloway- Registered Nurse
I’m nominating my mother as she’s not only my hero, but a north country hero to every patient, coworker, and person she encounters throughout her work day. The job of an RN never truly ends and my mom has helped countless people in various situations, whether it be someone going into cardiac arrest at the grocery store or someone having heatstroke at the Sterling Renaissance Fair (yes; both of those scenarios really happened!!). She became a nurse over 20 years ago because she genuinely wants to help people and cares about each and every one of her patients. She is the most selfless, strong, intelligent, and inspiring person and I know all her friends and coworkers would agree with me. I’ve looked up to my mom for 26 years and can only hope to be half the woman and hero she has been in this community, especially for 10th Mountain Division and all the soldiers and military personnel she works with every day.
Susan Cornell- Firefighter/EMT
I am nominating my best friend because she has been a fire fighter and a first responder for a very long time , she is the most dedicated person any fire station could ask for, she grew up around the fire service her dad was a good fire fighter too and he passed away . She is also my hero because I was in a very bad car accident in 2019 and she helped me and my now husband at the time to be calm and she was there for us. We could have died but because of her dedication we did not . I think she deserves this .
Ted Palmer- ER RN
Ted is the ultimate Jack of all trades. From helping educate our emergency department team to fixing quite literally anything we need to providing exceptional care, he does it all. Ted is the co-president of the Emergency Department Education Team and the Hospital Emergency Response Team. His contagious attitude and energy are what keep the Emergency Department going.
Terry- Carthage ER
He works at Carthage er he goes above and beyond runs around the er like a rabbit. He just had surgery and came back early . He has on numerous times taken care of me. He knows just as much as the doctors if not more some times. He has never treated me with disrespect. The hours this man puts in to this er is remarkable. Then goes home to his farm and works there to provide. If any man is my hero would be him
He is the most nicest man and very impressive in all his jobs
Terry Gilson- Retired Firefighter
My dad helped others his whole life while serving in the ringgold county fire rescue as a volunteer firefighter. He motivates me to help others that’s why I serve my country in keeping others safe
Toby Sixberry- ER RN
Toby ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is always willing to help others. He is always talking about how much he loves his job, sometimes even singing about it. A truly great man and nurse who always puts everyone else before himself!
Tracy Warren- Paramedic
She always goes above a beyond for all of her patients she is caring for
Wally O'Neil- Volunteer Firefighter
Wally is truly a one-of-a-kind hero in our community! For his paid employment, he works for the NYS DOT, but even there, he goes above and beyond his job duties to make sure work is not only done, but done right, and has saved the DOT thousands of dollars with his endless talents of building, fixing, etc. so the work did not have to be outsourced! Outside of work, he has been a volunteer firefighter for the Village of Black River for approximately 30 years, having been named Captain (and I believe chief at one point) by his peers and is a highly respected member of the volunteer firefighting community. As a friend, Wally is constantly there to offer a helping hand, whether it be helping his neighbors while they are away, mowing lawns for people (without payment), looking in on the elderly, completing necessary repairs at a significant savings...you name it, Wally will do it! When my family experienced an unimaginable tragedy, Wally heard the call and was one of the first to respond. On a personal level, Wally has been an absolutely dedicated spouse to his wife who has suffered from a rare medical disorder for many years, taking her to any and every doctor, making every possible attempt to find a cure for her. His attentiveness to his family, his friends, and his community are all reasons why I believe Wally O'Neil deserves to be recognized for the hero he truly is!
William Camidge- Volunteer Firefighter
He has been fighting fires for long before we met 34 years ago. This man has fought fired to wich he and other members have had ceiling come down on them , He was hit in chest with a cap high pressured off the side of truck. He has held children in his arms as they took there last breath, rescued people from burning buildings and watched as some were not so fortunate. Car accidents galore with some not so favorable endings. He is now having health issues but is still responding to fire calls as a fire police officer and is known as the kitchen $*%&@& at his West Carthage location. He cooks meals for all the firefighters and his community , he just completed his chicken bbq and raising money with his fellow firefighters. This man will get up at 2 a.m. and respond to a call and not look back at his own health . He will always be the firefighter he was when he first joined all them years ago. Its in his blood . Once a firefighter always a firefighter..........
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS & MEDICAL PROFESSINALS.
|
|
