When SCCAD first assembled a volunteer First Response Team dubbed Medic 20, now known as Medic 391. This individual was one of the first to raise his hand.

He was sworn in as part of the inaugural team in 2005. It seemed fate, as he had just completed his EMT program for the District one year prior, where he earned valedictorian.

While a sleepy community on weekdays, both Defiance and Augusta are anything but quiet on the weekends especially during popular “wine season.” Thousands of people flock to the area’s shops, trails, parks, wineries, and breweries. Understandably, the influx of people to the small community deeply influences the EMS call volume, particularly those high-stakes emergencies.

On countless occasions, this individual has managed Level I trauma patients whether they be the victims of a motorcycle, motor-vehicle, all terrain-vehicle, boat, or even plane collision.

He has been involved in a wide complement of situations including trail and water rescues, wilderness responses, and even contributed to providing emergency care in the wake of an F2 tornado that ravished several homes in the Defiance area.

In giving of himself to the citizens of Augusta and Defiance, he has undoubtably improved patient outcomes by providing emergency medical care as a First Responder. His contributions to EMS as a First Responder go far and wide.

The profession is better with our awardee, John Freeman.