How I Got Here

It’s been a long time coming!

I never considered going into public service when I was younger. I was more interested in the latest scheme to get me rich without much work, or at least get me comfortable without killing my soul. I worked as a fireworks peddler, a liquor store clerk, a factory worker, a pizza driver, a telemarketer… You name it, I tried it at one time or another. It was all much much less than satisfying.

Then, in 2005, I was thrust into a position I wasn’t prepared for. My parents were in a bad head-on collision, and I was amazed at the First Responders and EMS. There they were in the rain, in the middle of the night, and they knew what to do. I took it all in, and filed it away for later.

A year later, I was approached by the Mayor of my hometown, and asked if I would be willing to take EMT training and volunteer with the local EMS agency. The light bulb went on, and I agreed. I took to it quickly, and finished the class easily. I started running with the volunteer squad, and gained experience. A year after that, the Chief asked me if I’d like to become a Paramedic. I knew it would be challenging, but I jumped at the chance.

Fast-forward to the present, and here I am. I work as a medic with three departments, and I have stories.

Oh, do I have stories…