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Tools to Save Lives: Ambulance/Flight Paramedic

Enforcing the Laws: Van Wert Chief of Police

Dedication to the Job: Portland Fire Chief

Team of Caregivers: Bluffton-Regional ER

Concern for Others: Bluffton Fire Dept. Lieutenant

Answering the Call: Adams County Dispatch

Help is on the Way: Paramedic with Van Wert FD

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Tools to Save Lives

AMBULANCE & FLIGHT PARAMEDIC Article & photos by Tara Steffen ■ ■ ■

F

or many, a job is the means to earn a living and provide for a family. A few might hold a job just to pass the time.

For Decatur resident Tony Stimpson, his job much more than that – it’s a lifelong dream fulfilled. It’s also his passion.

When Tony was about 16 years old, he walked into a lumber company and witnessed a gentleman in cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Tony helped to perform CPR on

4

the gentlemen until the paramedics arrived, saving his life.

Ironically, when Tony became a paramedic eight years later, this same gentleman was at his place of work and, again, went into cardiac arrest. Tony was called to aid him, but, even with all his training and special equipment, was not able to revive the gentleman this time.

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Tony feels that God used him as a teenager to give this man another eight years of life.

While Tony believes God has given him the tools and knowledge to save lives, he also realizes that God may take life back, just as easily as He gives, regardless of how much medical knowledge a responder may have.

In the world of paramedics, there are different levels of first responders. The basic EMT requires six months of training, or 190 hours of classroom and ambulance experience.

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The next level, advanced EMT, requires the previous training and about 400 additional hours.

An advanced EMT may start an IV or hook up and read a cardiac monitor. They also may assist people with medicines like nitroglycerine pills or epinephrine.

A paramedic is capable of any pre-hospital treatment, including procedures such as defibrillation, EKGs, starting IVs, needle

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Today, Tony is a part-time flight paramedic for Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also a career paramedic for Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, or TRAA, also in Fort Wayne. In addition, Tony serves as a tactical paramedic for the Allen County Swat Team, which involves tactical and weaponry training four times a year.

Air Methods, the company that supplies Lutheran Hospital’s helicopter, also provides a full-time mechanic and up to four pilots to fly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The pilot has the ultimate say when flying, but at any point in time, if the paramedics feel conditions are not safe, they pull out and fly home. When flying, safety comes above all else.

Tony says his best experience in the field was when he helped deliver a premature baby girl weighing in at just 1 pound, 6 ounces. Tony calls her his miracle child. He recalls that she would have easily fit in a shoe box with room to spare. He has kept up with her progress and says that she just graduated from high school a few years ago.

Another memorable run for Tony happened during a transfer from Wells County. He happened upon the scene of an accident involving a car and a semi.

There, a man was partially ejected from his car. The car was on fire and flames shot as high as the top of the semi, but Tony and his crew were able to put out the fire. They freed this man from his vehicle, saving his life.

Tony’s smile fades as he recalls his worst day in the field. Many years ago, he was called to a house fire around 6 a.m. He said “good-bye” to his family before he left, and he noticed that his baby boy was wearing a white onesie with turquoise teddy bears.

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But, Tony was not the first in his family to become an emergency responder. In fact, his grandfather was a firefighter near Boston, Massachusetts. As a kid, Tony always dreamed of becoming a firefighter or a police officer and found his grandfather’s work intriguing. Tony says being an emergency responder takes a “certain personality,” and he considers himself a “triple type A.” As if his paramedic work weren’t enough, Tony volunteers as Deputy

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Much like Tony, the older son is a fulltime flight paramedic for Lutheran Hospital and a volunteer firefighter in Decatur. Tony’s younger son is a senior at Ball State, currently earning his nursing degree. Tony points out, “We’re kind of a medical family.”

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Tony’s wife Michelle, a registered nurse, also works in Fort Wayne. The Stimpsons have been married for 24 years and have two sons.

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The paramedics make a lot of transfers daily, whether it be for heart attacks or strokes – any condition that requires a higher level of care. If a hospital is not adequately equipped or doesn’t have the special medical team needed, patients are transferred to a different location where their needs can be addressed more effectively.

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Tony says that not every run that they make is shocking or gruesome. These are only a small percentage of the situations they encounter.

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The boy resembling his son did not survive, and Tony says quietly, “That was hard.”

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When Tony arrived at the scene of the fire, a firefighter handed a baby boy to him, and he says the little boy was wearing a onsie in the very same pattern as the one his son had been wearing that morning. This tiny victim was also about the same age as Tony’s son.

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Being well-equipped for these jobs is no easy task. Tony must be trained and upto-date on equipment and procedures he uses in the helicopter, ambulance or fire truck. Depending on situation, he might gear up with ballistic vest and helmet, fire-retardant gloves or the drop-down bag, loaded with medical supplies.

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Tony’s tactical team even has an armored personnel carrier, used for operations that may include small arms fire. While on the job, Tony may work with police barricade teams, Vice and Narcotics units, Allen County Swat, and, on occasion, an FBI Joint Task Force.

Tony finds his job as a paramedic very rewarding. He says that flying on a helicopter might be considered a prestigious position, but he does not view it that way.

Tony simply loves what he does. He is driven to do his best and is very passionate about every situation that he comes across. He also greatly appreciates his employer, Lutheran Hospital, and says, “They really take care of their people.”

For those considering a similar profession, Tony advises, “Do it because you have a passion for it. Do some investigating and ask yourself, ‘Is this something that I’m going to like and want to do for the rest of my life?’”

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Enforcing the Laws

VAN WERT CHIEF OF POLICE Article & photos by Ashley Olson ■ ■ ■

I

t wasn’t hard for Joel Hammond to figure out what he wanted to do for a living. By age 12, he had a very clear idea. It all started when Joel’s older brother began his police training.

“My older brother was going through the police academy,” says Hammond. “He’s nine years older than me, and he practiced some of the things he learned in the academy with me.”

The future Van Wert Police Department Chief’s first experience in a police car was in

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Los Angeles, California, where Joel and his brother grew up. “I was riding with my brother, and I happened to look over and see some guy robbing a liquor store and told my brother. So, he swung back around and busted him.

“It was like something out of a movie – we went into a high speed chase. I remember thinking how cool it was that he got to do that for a job. That’s when I knew this was the path I would be on. I’ve been on the Van Wert Police Department now for 22 years.”

Hammond moved to Van Wert after attending police academy in California. He finished up his training in Ohio and landed a part-time dispatcher position in 1992.

One of Hammond’s memorable experiences was his first traffic stop. “In the academy, everything works like it’s supposed to, because you’re dealing with other cadets or actors,” he explains. “But the first time I stopped somebody in the field, nothing seemed to go as it was supposed to.

“That’s one thing I tell new officers these days – that there’s nothing like real world experiences.”

With 20-plus years of experience on the VWPD, Hammond says, “There are quite a few memories – some funny, some tragic.” He recalls, “I had one in the middle of the day – we had a report of a vehicle hitting multiple parked cars. A guy was running people off the road, and he went into a subdivision.

“I was thinking, I can’t let this guy get out of the subdivision and hurt anybody else. This wasn’t the most tactical approach, but it was what I felt was the only thing to do; we had him cornered, but he was still moving, so I busted his window out, and another guy climbed in and was able to get the car stopped to pull him out.”

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Hammond shares another favorite story about a foot chase. “I got a domestic violence call, and when I pulled up, the guy took off. I was a new officer, and I was thinking, ‘I’m going to get this guy!’

“The guy had light-up shoes, and it was easy to follow him because they’d light up everywhere he ran. It wasn’t hard to catch him.” He jokes, “If you’re going to run from the police, it’s probably not a good idea to wear light-up shoes.”

After working his way up the ranks, Hammond became Van Wert’s Police Chief on September 11, 2001. It was a bittersweet day for the new chief, as he recalls, “I was doing my last round as a lieutenant when the first plane hit (New York’s twin towers). We had a party panned for later that night, but we cancelled it. I was sworn in, and after that, we went home and watched the news.”

Having plenty of experience as both an officer and chief over the past 21 years, Hammond knows one thing for sure.

“Violent acts can happen anywhere.

We’re not immune in a small community.

“Sometimes, we’re at a disadvantage because larger areas have more resources to deal with anything. In a small community, we are mostly dealing with law-abiding citizens. This can put officers at a disadvantage because when a violent attack does happen, it can be harder to use more questionable tactics to deal with the issue.”

For example, he says, “In Decatur, an officer was getting out of his car on a traffic stop. Before he even got out, he was shot and killed. We had to look for the suspect when he came near Van Wert.”

He adds, “Those experiences helped shape what I teach the officers here.”

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Hammond’s goal is to leave the VWPD in better shape than when he first began as chief. “As an administrator, I’d hope to have the department a little better than when I started. I inherited a very good department and would like to keep advancing it.

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“My focus is getting things done today but also looking into the future and making sure everything is going in a forward motion.”

He still thinks of himself as an officer and continues to wear his uniform. “I miss being on road a little. I got into law enforcement not because of rank, but because I liked being on the road.

“It’s nice to go on the road once and a while and help people – nice to get out there and do the job, sometimes. That’s why I always wear the uniform, rather than plain clothes.”

The most challenging part of being the police chief, says Hammond, is hearing and dealing with problems he knows are controversial to the community. “Sometimes, the vocal minority on any issue can sway what’s in the greatest good of the community.”

Hammond says he is willing to hear different opinions but will always do what is best for the greater good. “We’re going to do what’s right and enforce the laws.”

reinforcement. It’s always nice when somebody comes back to you with reassurance.”

Before deciding to become a police officer, Hammond stresses the importance of knowing what you’re getting yourself into first. “I think having a general idea of what you’re getting into, like taking some classes to get a working knowledge of the field, is important.

“There are a lot of challenges where you need to take control of situations, while still being compassionate. That’s a tough dynamic to get rolled into one person. You make a big investment when you go into law enforcement.”

While being the chief of police isn’t an easy career, Hammond can’t imagine having taken another path. “People will say things like, ‘I can’t believe you do the job you do.’

“But, from where I’m sitting, I can’t see doing any other job.”

When the most vocal in the community disagree with choices he’s made as chief, Hammond says he is reassured by others. “It’s always nice when you get a thank-you note about something that you did to make a difference.

Hammond says, “Looking over the course of 20 years of law enforcement, it has gone by quicker than I would have thought.” Hammond expresses gratitude for his career, “To have the opportunity to do what I wanted to do, I just feel very fortunate. I got to do the things I wanted to do within the organization.

“Law enforcement isn’t a popular endeavor, so it’s good when you have that positive

“I hope, when I’m done, whoever takes over continues moving the department forward.” WVL

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Dedication to the Job

PORTLAND FIRE DEPT. FIRE CHIEF Article & photos by Ashley Olson ■ ■ ■

S

ince both his father and grandfather served with the Portland Fire Department, one might think that Chad Aker would be a natural fit in the department.

But, the truth is, he never really planned on being a fireman.

“You grow up, and your father goes out all the time on calls,” he says. “I went into electronics in college and thought I’d get into that, instead.

“But, one day, my dad said that there was a part-time position open, and that’s how I got

into firefighting. Eventually, I got tired of electronics and became full-time.”

Aker joined the Portland Fire Department as a volunteer 18 years ago. And, for the past two-and-a-half years, he’s served as the department’s chief.

Aker has lived in Portland most of his life but did live in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis for a year each. After marrying, Aker and his wife decided to settle in Portland, and they now have two daughters, ages four and nine.

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Being a family man is actually one of the biggest challenges he faces in his position as a fire chief. “You’re away from your family for 24 hours,” Aker explains.

parties and games. Your spouse has to understand how it is, too.

“Some people don’t realize that we’re not just sleeping on duty. It requires a big commitment – you always have to be available.

“We work 48 to 72 hours a week. My wife will tell you, I spend a lot of time doing this.

It’s more than just a 40-hour-a-week job. It really takes a lot of your time. It’s almost like you’re always on the clock.”

“As a fireman, you’re torn between family and work. You’ve got to divide your time.

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Aside from balancing his family and work, another challenge Aker faces in his job is the work itself. “You have to know what to do,

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when you’re a first-responder, and have the courage to know what to do right away.

“We’ve had some automobile accidents, and there are a lot of things that you wish you could erase from your memory.”

He recalls some of the dangerous moments he’s encountered while out in the field. “A couple of times, it could’ve gotten bad if I had kept going. I’ve been up roofs before, and my foot’s dropped down through the roof. I had to back off.

“There have been times where I’ve used my better judgment, rather than going too far. Overall, what you really want to think about is the safety of everything.

You want to avoid doing something stupid, like sending somebody into a building when it’s too dangerous.”

Obviously Aker didn’t become the chief by making foolish decisions on the job. In fact, he puts a lot of thought into fire calls while on en route. “When you get that first call, you want to get all of the details and things,” he says.

“But, you go out on some of these, and sometimes, you’ll get there before the medics, and you have to try and save that person.

“You try to process all of the information you can. As you’re driving there, you think about what needs to be done and everything. You’re thinking, ‘Who’s the closest department? Who’s going to show up?’

“One of the hardest things for me when I became chief was to give orders, rather than get my pack on and get ready to go, as I’d done in the past.”

Aker has had plenty of experience, but the first call he went out on is still fresh in his memory. “The first call I went out on was a grass fire on Easter Sunday.

Wasn’t too much – it got put out pretty fast.”

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Not every call he’s been out on has had such an easy solution or happy outcome. And, those memories are just as vivid as the others – if not more so. “You see your first fatality – that’s always an event that you remember.

But, after a while, you have to get numb to the things you see because it’s going to eat at you.”

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Aker says, empathetically, “Some guys just can’t handle that and quit because of it. Either you can, or you can’t.

“It’s the same with EMS or any of the emergency responses. I’m sure they’re the same way.”

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A fireman’s job isn’t only to put out fires; it’s also to prevent them from starting in the first place. The Portland Fire Department visits elementary schools in the area each year for Fire Prevention Week. This is to show the children what the fireman will look and sound like if they ever need to be rescued during a fire.

The program has been a part of the community for years, and it’s continued to be successful. “We hand out 500 pieces of fire prevention material to elementary school kids every year.

We try to tell the students what to do during a house fire, how to get out, and, if they can’t, other ways to be safe.”

Visiting schools is only one way the PFD works to prevent fires; they hold open houses for the public, as well.

“We’re really getting the word out on fire prevention. We do a safety day that’s open to the public. We have a medical helicopter and firefighters here.

“Also, we do CPR classes for the public.

We’re pushing our fire extinguisher, too. I’ve taught close to 400 people in the extinguisher classes.”

The funding from the CPR class goes right back into the program

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for materials needed to teach the class. “Our big thing is: Impact the public, educate them on CPR and fire prevention. CPR costs money, but it goes into the program.”

If you’re looking to become a firefighter, Aker wants to stress the importance of education and dedication. To become a firefighter you’ll need to do a lot of training.

“The state makes you take a 40hour class, which is spread out over a month. You have to do knots and ropes, ventilation, practical skills, bookwork.

That’s just to get your foot into the door to do runs.

And, you can also continue your training for different types of firefighting. As Aker explains, “You can do search and rescue, heavy vehicle operation, wildlife firefighting, urban firefighting. Something always comes up, just when you think you know it all. So many things, you have to know and look for that people wouldn’t think about.”

Being a firefighter is a demanding job, both for the firefighter and the family, so having the strength to work through all of the training and staying in school is critical. “The important things are to stay in school, don’t get in trouble with the law, and keep your nose clean. If you’ve got a police record, you could be more of a liability.”

Even Aker himself served as a volunteer firefighter first. “Any fulltimer on this department has come up through volunteers and part-timers.

I was a volunteer for 10 years before becoming full-time.”

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Team of Caregivers

BLUFFTON-REGIONAL EMERGENCY ROOM Article & photos by Tara Steffen ■ ■ ■

T

he emergency room at Bluffton-Regional Medical Center is more than an ER – it’s a family. The staff here has been working together for many years, and they are the picture of teamwork and dedication. Each person has their own position, but all work together as a team to give the best care they can to everyone who comes into the emergency room.

When Kendra came to Bluffton, there was a job opening in the emergency department. She had originally wanted to help in obstetrics, or perhaps even psychiatric nursing, but instead, she was placed in the emergency room.

Kendra Lloyd

Kendra has been here ever since and absolutely loves it. She has had her certification in emergency nursing for about 20 years, which she says is a rather lengthy test.

Kendra Lloyd has been on the emergency room team as a registered nurse for 32 years. She began working right out of nursing school.

Kendra always knew that she wanted to be a nurse and actually planned to go into missionary nursing. She never thought she’d get married,

20

but God changed her plans when, in her last year of school, she met her husband at a Campus Life event.

She jokes that back then, Berne didn’t have an active Campus Life, so they trucked all the kids to Bluffton, where they had a thriving group. She laughs, joking, “This is where all the boys were.”

Shortly after they met, he left for the service but wanted to write to Kendra. Love was born, and she says, “That did it. That was all it took.”

Kendra began her career as a graduate nurse and was put in charge of the emergency room right away, which she says was a bit scary. She remembers one of her first nights on the job when a motorcycle accident victim was brought in for treatment. Despite all of their efforts, the patient did not make it.

“That was a little hard to take,” says Kendra.

Kendra really loves the emergency room and explains that if you want to keep and practice all (CONTINUED ON PAGE 28)

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AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st

The Pfeifers

Bat Savvy

Children’s Program 10:00 a.m.

Smiley Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9121

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Stars in the Park 6:00 p.m.

Hudson Family Park Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

2nd

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Fancy Nancy Tea Party 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Market on Main

/ First Fridays 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Rib Fest Opens

5:00 p.m.

VW County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Geneva’s Geneva

Porter’s 150th Birthday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

1

w/Shane Bros. Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Movie at the Park

The Odd Life of Timothy Green 8:45 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

3rd

Tri Bluffton

8:00 a.m.

Wells Community Pool Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

The Booth Brothers w/Shane Bros. Quartet 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

The Pfeifers

w/Shane Bros. Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

4th

dasMärit Farmers Market

Spike & the Bulldogs

Farmers Market

5th

8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

Ouabache Olympiad 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ouabache State Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 468-2127

Antique Tractor Ride 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Kennedy-Kuhn Equip. Co. Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-5779

Motorcycle Poker Run Norman Vinson Memorial 10:00 a.m.

Jay County Chamber Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Cozy Christian Readers Book Discussion 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Book BINGO

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Poetry Coterie

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

6th Blood Pressure Checks 8:15 a.m.

McDonald’s Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Senior BINGO 8:30 a.m.

McDonald’s Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Craft Time Fun

Farmers Market

Blood Pressure Checks

Stars in the Park

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Homeschool Computer Club 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Children’s Movie 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

7th

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Sidewalk Art

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Dig Into Science

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Craft & Chat

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Wet & Wacky Swim 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wells Community Pool Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1550

8th

Craft Time Fun

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

6:00 p.m.

Hudson Family Park Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Who Picked this Book?

Book Discussion 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Bailey’s Coffee Shop Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Antique Power Show & Festival Opens Wheels of Yesteryear 8:00 p.m.

Wells County 4-H Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 417-6488

9th

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Healthy & Easy Cooking 10:00 a.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Back to School Movie Marathon 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Gene Stratton-Porter’s 150th Birthday Gala & Film 6:00 p.m.

Embassy Theater Fort Wayne, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Ides of March w/Jim Peterik 7:00 p.m.

Fountain Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Movie at the Park

Oz the Great and Powerful 8:45 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

10th

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

Women’s Self-Defense 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

City Gym Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Sired Fair Circuit Harness Races 10:00 a.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 426-4331

Duck Race on the Wabash 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-8574

Penny Loafers Quartet w/Sonshine Boys 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

2

23

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Dave Miller 5K Night Walk/Run 8:00 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-6477

Spike & the Bulldogs / Model A Cruise-In 8:00 p.m.

Muensterberg Plaza Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3139

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

12th

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

13

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11th Fort Wayne Community Concert Band 6:00 p.m.

Stadium Park Delphos, Ohio (419) 238-9378

24

Cook & Belle

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Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

14th

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Chamber Networking Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

Elks Lodge Dunkirk, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Craft & Chat

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Cooking Class with Chef Hector Minon 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Arts Commerce Center Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

15th

Summer 2013 Children’s Program Wrap-Up 10:00 a.m. - Noon Smiley Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9121

Seniors’ Theater Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Farmer’s Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

16th

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

CHRISTNER’S (260)728-2151

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Stars in the Park 6:00 p.m.

Hudson Family Park Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Van Wert Area Concert Band 7:00 p.m.

Fountain Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

17th

dasMärit Farmers Market

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Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

Wells Co. Habitat for Humanity Car Show 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells County 4-H Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 353-3333

Carp Catching Contest 8:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

Ouabache State Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 468-2127

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SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

4

AREA EVENTS CALENDAR 26

BerneOff - Dots in Blue Water Fundraiser 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Muensterberg Plaza Berne, Indiana (260) 849-2227

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

NFL Punt-Pass-Kick Competition 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Bluffton HS Stadium Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Todd Allen Family

Free Senior BINGO 1:00 p.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

All Books Considered Book Discussion 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

20th Senior BINGO 8:15 a.m.

McDonald’s Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

w/Trinity 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Jay Co. Tractor Ride

Souled Out Band

Blood Pressure Checks

7:00 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Craft It

18th

History of the State Park in Wells County 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells Co. Historical Museum Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-9956

Bluegrass Jamboree 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Summit City Chorus 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

19th

Blood Pressure Checks 12:30 p.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

5

9:15 a.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

21

st

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Antique Gas Engine & Tractor Show Opens Hours Vary Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4036

22nd

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

23rd

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Jewelry Class with Anita Miller 9:00 a.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

24th

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

Kekionga Festival Opens

Farmers Market

Craft & Chat

Decatur SBA Sidewalk Sales Open

Hours Vary Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Decatur, Indiana www.decatursba.com

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Benefit Auction for Storybook Park 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2001

The Taylors

w/The Ministers Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

28th

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

31st

Senior Luncheon

dasMärit Farmers Market

Craft & Chat

Farmers Market

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wells County 4-H Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-3995

Wag ‘n Walk

Farmers Market

25th

Faith, Family & Football with Josh Bleill

Farmers Market

Shade ‘n Shannon 7:30 p.m.

Muensterberg Plaza Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3139

Family Fun Day

The White Forest Book Readings

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

VW County Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 771-9851

Visit from Elsie the Cow

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

VW County Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 771-9851

The Night Session Big Band 6:00 p.m.

Stadium Park Delphos, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Gospel Concert

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

26th

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

27th

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Noon SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

River Greenway Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

6:30 p.m.

South Adams Auditorium Berne, Indiana (260) 301-4197

29

th

Van Wert County Fair Opens

8:00 a.m.

VW County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio www.vanwertcountyfair.com

Discover Nature Homeschool Event 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

30th

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

Championship Rodeo 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wells County 4-H Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

include your event on this calendar – **** Please send details about the event to the address below no later than the 15th of the month PRIOR to the event.

**** Send to: calendar@ wabashvalleyliving.com OR Call us at (260) 849-2187.

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

6

the skills you have learned as a nurse and to continue learning, this is an excellent place to do both. Emergency room nurses see all ages – from babies to children to adults – and with every new day, there’s something new to learn.

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Kendra says that she seldom gets bored.

Some days are quiet days, and she appreciates those days, but the busier days make the time go by quickly. Kendra has no complaints, but she does admit the 12hour shifts are difficult, from time to time – especially when it’s busy, and there’s little time to rest.

Kendra commends Bluffton-Regional for the great team effort given by her staff.

She says, “Once someone is hired here, they stay for the long haul. Bluffton is fairly versatile in that, if a nurse wants a change, they are most accommodating and can often find them a position in another department.

“The emergency room is one of those departments where, once a nurse begins to work here, they usually like it well enough to stay in the emergency room.”

Kendra is in charge of scheduling and loves the responsibility of looking after her staff.

They are all very close-knit.

Riley Black Riley Black started in Bluffton-Regional’s emergency room as an orderly 19 years ago.

He was a door attendant, worked in Urology and ER Lab, and is now a technician.

The emergency room is like Riley’s second home, and he refers to his co-workers as his “second family” – his “home away from home.” Riley feels that the job he does here is his way of relieving stress. He loves to focus his energy into the job and, at the end of the day, is fulfilled and happy.

Having worked at Bluffton-Regional for so many years, Riley is a familiar face in the emergency room, and people many times will comment that they know him.

Riley actually graduated with a degree in criminal justice and worked as a reserve for the Adams County Sheriff’s Department for 5 years. He loved it but wanted to go further in service to others, and so, he

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28

found himself working in the emergency room at Bluffton-Regional.

Riley has considered becoming a paramedic someday and would love to help people in that way, as well. He says that there is a big difference in seeing someone before they reach the hospital versus seeing them upon arrival. Once at the hospital, the staff has no idea of where the patient is coming from, whereas, a paramedic in the field has a better grasp on the patient’s situation.

There are always up and down days, sad and happy moments – and, even hard moments – but, Riley knows that he can rely on his “family” in the emergency room to “have his back” and be his support when times get a little tough.” He adds, “Whenever you think that you’ve been through something rotten, someone else has been through something much worse.”

Riley feels that there could be no better job than what he has right now working at Bluffton-Regional’s emergency room. He truly loves what he does.

Sheryl Meade Sheryl Meade is a very compassionate person and can almost feel other another person’s pain, at times. As Sheryl was growing up, her mom experienced terrible headaches. When her mom felt ill, Sheryl felt ill, as well.

Sheryl had doubts about becoming a nurse.

She didn’t know if she really wanted to be a nurse – or, if she could even handle it – because she was so empathetic towards others.

In high school, Sheryl decided to work as an aide, just to see if this was really what she wanted to do with her life. This job sparked more of an interest in nursing for Sheryl, so she decided that if she could get accepted into the nursing program, she would become a registered nurse.

Sheryl entered a nursing program, and, as time went on, she knew that this was what she wanted to do. For 38 years now, Sheryl has been doing the very thing she feared as a young woman. And, she loves every moment of her job.

29

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Sheryl only worked weekends when she first began her career, but she was always in emergency room. She’s been in the ER ever since.

Smiling, she calls the job her “first love” and adds, “Every day is a new day.” Sheryl loves working in the emergency room because she never knows what’s going to come through the door.

Sheryl says that her emergency room training helped her at home with her own children whenever they were injured and possibly needed stitches or had a fever or some other ailment. She thought back to her training and asked herself, “How would we handle this situation in the emergency room?”

Sheryl feels the best experience is when someone very ill or injured comes into the emergency room and she is able to care for them and make a difference in their health or situation. It’s rewarding to know she’s helped someone feel better.

Shelly Row Shelly Row has been an emergency room nurse at Bluffton-Regional for 24 years, with three years’ prior experience in labor and delivery nursing. Shelly says, “Every day is a new challenge, working in the emergency room.

“A lot of times, we know the patients that come to see us here. It’s our way of taking care of the community.”

Shelly’s mother and sister both went into nursing, so nursing is a passion in Shelly’s family.

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Shelly recalls her very best experience working in the emergency room. One day, a young man in his thirties came in with chest discomfort. He went into ventricular tachycardia, and his heart was beating too fast to pump blood. Shelly defibrillated him 3 times – saving his life.

Upon his recovery, this man later came back to emergency room to thank her in person. Shelly humbly says, “That was amazing.” WVL

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Concern for Others

BLUFFTON FIRE DEPT. SQUAD 4 LIEUTENANT Article & photos by Tara Steffen ■ ■ ■

J

im Curran will tell you that, as a teenager, he raised Cain on more than one occasion. “I never meant any harm,” he says. “I was just enjoying myself and life.” One might say that Jim has very little fear, and that personality trait has served him well while fighting fires with the Bluffton Fire Department.

After a run-in with the law as a young man, Jim decided maybe he needed to give back to the very community in which he had

32

caused so much trouble. So, Jim applied to be a fireman.

He did not get the position the first time he applied, or the second time. After a few attempts and a good deal of convincing city officials to see past his former transgressions, Jim eventually became part of Bluffton’s fire station family. And, no one there has regretted the addition to their team.

Today, Jim is a lieutenant in Squad 4 at the station. He says that things change when you get to be part of the chain of command instead of being “just one of the guys.”

“As long as you are aware of it and learn from it, it’s really no big deal. It just makes us better.”

The expectations rise and, on occasion, he has to “write up” someone for something they haven’t done correctly. Jim says not to take it personally – it’s just part of the job, and he’s had a few write-ups of his own.

Jim is not afraid to lend a helping hand to those who need it. He’s dismayed to think some people are just too busy or don’t care enough to stop and help others.

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Once, Jim witnessed an accident on an interstate. An older gentleman drove his car straight into a cement wall. Jim found a place to turn around, but when he arrived back at the scene, he discovered no one else had stopped this help this man. Jim called for help and checked to see that the man was ok.

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On a trip out West, Jim came upon another auto accident in which a woman was severely injured. Jim did not hesitate to come to her aid, even though he walked away covered in blood. Jim saved this woman’s life by offering medical assistance until paramedics arrived.

Jim has witnessed many things most people can only imagine, yet he still has no trouble being willing to help someone out. He loves what he does and will not hesitate to do whatever he is physically capable of to help another person. Jim has been hurt twice during his time as a fire fighter – once, due to extreme heat, and, in another instance, when a roof collapsed on top of him. He escaped both incidents without serious injury.

When facing the most frightening fires, Jim seems fearless. He recalls one particular fire and says as he was standing in this burning building, the flames totally surrounded him and his team. He said it was “the neatest thing he had ever seen.”

Jim’s confidence comes from his expertise. He says he was trained by the best and that his captain made sure the team knew how to handle fires on every level of difficulty.

Jim also explains that, in full firefighting gear, he has 18 seconds of being fully engulfed in flames before his suit will melt. He says that

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is “more than enough time to run out of a building.”

In 2003, the City of Bluffton experienced a large amount of rainfall, and massive flooding plagued the town. At the time, the emergency dispatch towers were in imminent danger of being damaged by floodwaters. Jim came up with a plan, and with help from Kaehr Excavating, he created a barricade, which was dubbed “Fort Curran.” The dispatch towers remained unharmed.

Congressman Mike Pence, now Indiana’s governor, visited from Washington, D.C., to assess the damage in the City of Bluffton. He was told how Jim helped the city save its emergency dispatch towers.

Jim says he was “coined” by Pence – meaning he received a special gold coin as an award for his service.

Later that day, Jim got to take a ride in a Black Hawk helicopter with the Congressman as they surveyed the damage. Jim says that this has been the highlight of his career.

Jim’s wife Tobi has seen two of the fires Jim has helped fight, but she says it’s better if she doesn’t see them. It’s too difficult to watch her husband run into a burning building and then not come back out for a long period of time – or, come out another door outside her line of sight.

“It’s just better if I stay home. He will post a ‘Whoo-hoo!’ on social media when a fire is over, and then I know I can go to sleep.”

When he first joined the fire department, Jim dropped everything to help fight a fire. Now, he is still pretty faithful in assisting but doesn’t feel it necessary to be at every fire.

Family time is a little more important to Jim these days. WVL

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Answering the call

ADAMS COUNTY EMERGENCY DISPATCH Article & photos by Sylvia Marbach ■ ■ ■

A

veteran emergency dispatcher for Adams County, Indiana, Bill Grimm has 25 years of experience in handling emergency calls. Bill and his wife Rebecca live in Berne, where he grew up.

“I started out in the EMS when I was 19, then the Sheriff Reserves,” Bill explains, “I was a medic for almost 15 years, and I’ve been with the Berne Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years.”

Dawn Grimm, mother of four and wife to Bill’s brother Bryan, is also a dedicated dispatcher for the county. “My dad retired as a dispatcher after

20-some years,” she says. It was Dawn’s desire to “follow in his footsteps.”

Although she worked in a few factories before taking the dispatcher position, she determinedly states, “I’m a lifer there, now.”

“When I first came in,” Bill recalls, “it was on-thejob training. Now, to work in emergency medical dispatch, you have to go through IDACS (Indiana Data and Communications System) training.”

According to the State of Indiana, “The Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS)

37

is a computerized law enforcement/criminal justice communications and information storage and retrieval system.” The system is designed to function in conjunction with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer, as well as the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) computer.

Both Dawn and Bill have gained experience through on-the-job training, but Dawn has also been through IDACS training, since she has only been a dispatcher for 11 years. She was required

to show proficiency with the NCIC system, as well.

Bill explains, “We receive the 911 calls. Then, we notify the appropriate department, whether that’d be fire, EMS, or police, and send them out.

“We also set off the tornado sirens in the county, as needed.”

The Adams County Emergency Dispatch staff monitor local schools, as well, through another

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computerized system. According to Bill, the system includes fire alarms and cameras in the schools for off-site monitoring. He adds, “We can open all the doors – the lockin doors, the bar doors...we monitor the whole outside of the building.”

Dispatchers work long days, says Bill. “We run 12-hour shifts, so you’re in the room for 12 hours. We answer about 100 phone calls each shift. Between the phone calls and running license plates or driving records for the police, and sending EMS – that’s a normal day.”

Dawn adds, “Your day depends on what kind of calls you get. A lot of times, a call for EMS can be a more life-threatening situation, versus a call for police.”

She says, too, that the type of calls received at dispatch typically depends upon the time of day. “First shift includes a lot of administrative stuff that comes in. So, we take a lot of phone calls – some 911 calls, EMS runs, fire dispatches.

“Then, if you work second or third shift, you get a lot more police communications – things like traffic stops, running license plates, checking driver’s license information, OWI arrests, or something involving drugs. And, during summer, there are more calls because kids are doing things they shouldn’t do.”

Both Dawn and Bill agree that the most common emergency call is for EMS. “A lot of illnesses, a lot of chest pain calls, so I would say EMS runs are just routine,” Dawn explains. “Calls for elderly people who’ve fallen are common, especially here in Berne, for south EMS. There are many of these calls out of Swiss Village, and, in Decatur, from Woodcrest.”

Some days can get extremely hectic in the department “My partner here and another were working last June when the storms hit,” Bill says. Within the first hour after the storm hit, the department fielded almost 700 phone calls.

“When something major happens, it’s extremely busy here.”

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“That’s the biggest change.”

Dawn explains, “All your calls are put on in a computer, and everything’s dispatched that way. Now, we also have a new phone system, and we wear headsets – so we’re hands-free – which makes things a lot simpler.

“We don’t have to write everything down.

We still do write down a lot, but if you’re taking a call, you can type it in as they’re talking and get it dispatched a lot quicker.

It’s a much quicker process now.”

Dawn appreciates the improvements at the department. “We’ve gotten a lot of new equipment since I’ve started here,” she says. “It makes you feel like you mean something.”

Both Dawn and Bill agree that helping people is a primary motivation for their career choices. “I like my job a lot,” Dawn says. “At the end of the shift, I can come home with that satisfaction, knowing I helped save someone’s life – or, helped in some other way. My efforts helped that person out.

“I recently had a call about a child that wasn’t breathing, and I had to walk the parents through CPR. Luckily, the child came through, but that was the most devastating call I’ve ever taken. It shook me up.”

Dawn says she’s had a change of heart since starting her job with the county. “I’m more aware of everything,” she explains.

“Before, it was just a job. Since I started 11 years ago, I was younger, and it was just a job.”

“Now, it’s more. You have to take it seriously, of course, but I do take it more to heart. I worry about the officers out there. I worry a lot about other people at this job.”

Both Dawn and Bill plan on staying with the Adams County Emergency Dispatch until retirement. WVL

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Help is on the Way

PARAMEDIC WITH THE VAN WERT FIRE DEPT. Article & photos by Ashley Olson ■ ■ ■

W

hen you walk into the Van Wert Fire Department, you get a sense of camaraderie among the firefighters.

As the men sit down for lunch, they can be heard laughing together, joking around and conversing. Much like with what’s discussed in the movies and TV shows like Chicago Fire, you can really feel a sense of brotherhood among the firemen.

been through plenty of trials and tribulations on the job. And, the 23-year-old vividly remembers many of his earliest experiences.

Austin Miller is part of this brotherhood, as he serves as an EMT/paramedic on the Van Wert Fire Department. Despite being one of the youngest members of the VWFD, Miller has

One of the “firsts” that Miller remembers quite well was the very first time he was called to assist. “My first call was a diabetic emergency where a man was found face-down on the train

42

“Whether you’re ready or not, you get hit with a lot of big-time stuff. And, it can come at any time. When you get your first stabbing, first shooting, first code save – your first everything really sticks out in this line of work.”

tracks.” It was a stressful and nerve-wracking experience for the young paramedic.

Since then, he’s had a lot more time on the job. Miller has now served for two years as a paramedic and for three years as an EMT. The Van Wert/Middle Point native started out as a volunteer on the Middle Point Fire Department – a job he still retains today. From here, Miller was eventually able to land a more permanent position with the VWFD. It certainly wasn’t easy for Miller to attain his firefighter and EMT positions, since he had to

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undergo quite a bit of training. “There are a lot of things that people don’t realize that go into the training. There are different levels of both EMTs and firefighters,” he says.

“First off, you have to put in 36 hours for basic training. To become a volunteer firefighter, you need to do 120 hours. For an EMT, we have first responder courses, followed by basic EMT.” He adds, “Then, you get into your advanced and intermediate levels. It’s basically two years at college, if you’re a paramedic. You get training on things like the mobile emergency room.”

Miller has already completed all of this training.

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A couple of Miller’s fellow firefighters mentioned that it takes two months at a training academy to attain career-level status. And, many prospective firemen attend the Ohio State Fire Academy, including some of the men on the VWFD. All of this training is necessary, considering the types of hazards and challenges EMTs and firefighters face on a regular basis. Miller and others in the department talk about how they once fought a large warehouse fire, where “things were blowing up and air compressors were going off.”

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They also dealt with the destruction of a huge storm last year in June, where fierce winds destroyed trees and blew power lines down. The storm was so powerful that it caused a week-long power outage in Van Wert and surrounding counties.

While most people were safely inside of their homes, waiting out the massive storm, Miller and the fire department had to go on a run to extinguish a house fire.

“That was pretty intense. I even saw a tree fall down as we were driving there,” he recalls.

Besides dealing with elements and dangerous hazards, Miller also discusses how the toughest part of his job is going on the bad calls, especially those involving children. He adds, “Sometimes it can be really stressful, but at the same time, you have to relieve that stress. It’s a lot easier if you work with a great group of guys.”

Being a paramedic is physically demanding and stressful, so having the right crew really make a difference. “You can’t do it without your shift members.”

He continues, “You have to trust every single one of them with your life and make sure they trust you. That’s where the whole brotherhood thing comes from.

“Also, you always need to be on your A-game while you’re out there.”

The majority of first responders are willing to put others before themselves, and the same goes for Miller. Before heading out on a call, he prepares by communicating with the dispatcher to get as much information as possible regarding

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the medical emergency – like location and possible injuries.

then determines the next steps necessary before transporting the patient to the emergency room.

“You’ve basically got to be ready, and know what you need. You ask yourself, ‘What am I going to need to take care of this?’ You think of all of the steps, and you’re preparing yourself for the worst.”

Austin says it wasn’t his childhood dream to become a firefighter. “I wanted to be a schoolteacher...until I got into volunteer firefighting. And, you just work your way up from there.”

Miller hopes his presence gives people a sense of security. “I hope that when people hear us coming, they know help is on the way. They find comfort in that and they have confidence and security.”

Once he gets to the scene of the medical emergency, Miller assesses the situation. He

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Miller wishes to offer some advice for anyone who may be interested in becoming an EMT or Paramedic. He says, “Don’t give up on it. Getting into the career can get real hard at times. But, don’t give up.”

To find out more about becoming an EMT, fire fighter, or paramedic, contact your local department, or a community college. WVL

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