Five Northeast Nebraska EMTs were recently honored for their service to their communities and area for 35 years of service.
Bill Thierolf, Murray Peters, Dave Carlson, Greg Conn, and Brian Schlote all graduated from the same EMT class in Wausa 35 years ago. Four out of five still work and serve in the community of Wausa, and a celebration honoring these first responders for their years of service was held on March 27 at the Wausa Fire Station.
Paramedic Brian Schlote organized the celebration, which was a surprise for his fellow classmates. They thought it was just another team meeting.
Schlote explains how it feels to serve his community, “I'm happy to serve. Glad my classmates from Wausa are still serving. Our class had 15 so to have 1/3 of the class still serving including 4 of the 6 from Wausa where the class was held is very amazing.”
But being an EMT takes a lot of training. Schlote says about the hours that go into being an EMT. “We were the first class of the 110 Hour format. Prior to that it was 81 Hours. Currently it is 160-180.”
Along with that, EMTs have to renew their license every two years in March so the State and National requirements match up.
There is a definite shortage of EMTs, especially in rural areas, as Schlote notes that he doesn’t believe any agency has enough members on staff.
He breaks down the long term service of those honored, to put it into scale. “Most members serve 5,10,15 or 20 years,” he says. “Once a department member reaches the 20 or 25 year mark, that is when they decide if they will be a lifer or retire. The majority either really enjoy it or know they are needed as no one else is stepping up to do this,” he explains, showing how big this milestone is.
What some don’t realize is that the rural departments are volunteers, meaning many have jobs and priorities outside their work as an EMT.
“The four from Wausa are very active in their community and department,” Schlote said. “Greg is/was teacher, coach, activities director; Murray was Mayor and business owner; Dave was Fire Chief and business owner.”
Lessons are learned by the work we do, he adds. “Giving back to your community and fellow mankind. If not you, who will come when the call is made,” Schlote says, referring to the lessons he has taken away from being an EMT.
The sacrifices by those who served for 35 years did not go unnoticed as the five were given honors from the State of Nebraska. Schlote adds that it was humbling and rewarding being honored by the State.
When speaking about inspiring the next generation to become EMTs, he left this advice: “Ask questions. There have been others that didn't think they could do it, put it off, but have now been in the department for five years and are glad they did.