Stephen Heath

1. My husband was a full time Firefighter/Captain/Deputy/EMT for 37 years. He dedicated his whole career to helping others. He risked his own life on so many occasions to save the lives of total strangers. He had a baby die in his arms one day even though he had tried life saving measures. That situation has stayed with him ever since that day. There’s too many incidents to recall in a 37 year span. This job meant more to him than anything. He missed Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations, birthday parties and numerous other occasions involving his children because nobody else was available to work so he would take the shift because he didn’t want to leave the department shorthanded. He is retired now but he misses the job every day. He is still working as a call Firefighter/EMT because he just can’t let it go. My son is also a firefighter so my husband gets to report to fires with him sometimes. I’ve never seen an individual so dedicated to his work before. Being a FF was his identity. They just don’t make them like they used to anymore. Most firefighters these days go to work and then go home. It’s just another job like any other. My husband lived and breathed the fire service and still does. He’s listening to the scanner right now because two local towns have active fires as I type this.

2. My Dad started his career at the earliest age possible and worked tirelessly until his retirement. He worked his way up to captain for 32 years and then became deputy for some years prior to retirement. In total he served his community for 37 years! He dedicated his whole career to helping others. He has risked his life numerous times and seen unimaginable things. From horrific bus accidents resulting in many casualties to shed fires, my dad cared for them all with the same amount of passion. Being a firefighter meant more to him than anything, it was his whole life. He was constantly at the fire station even if he wasn’t working. He missed Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations, birthday parties and numerous other occasions. He was always putting the station above his own needs. During his career he required a knee replacement and was back to work asap after his surgery. He is retired now but he misses the job every day. My brother is now a firefighter and my dad goes to every possible fire he can to keep reliving the dream. My dad lived and breathed the fire service and still does.