SWEET GRASS COUNTY First +Responders A publication of the Big Timber Pioneer, 2015

ON CALL Rod MacLean reflects on 24 “You make a years of life by what service you give” - Sheriff Dan Tronrud pgs. 6-7

TA H NK YOU: F Ire + + DISPATCH + LAW ENFORCEMENT + SAR T GR WEE AS TIMBER V S S G OL OUNTY BI . C

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1908 R E I C F I F F ’ S F O SA R FI T. MONTANA RE DEP 40 First 2015 Responders +CONTENTS 3 Ambulance Hats off to local medical volunteers — from EMRs to

6-7 Words of thanks Area officials show appreciation for local emergency volunteers

15 Sheriff’s Office A look at life beyond the Sweet Grass Fire p. 13 badge and service after Responders in action pgs. 10-11 the time clock

16 From the top Department heads weigh in on what it Dispatch p. 14 means to serve

on the cover 8-9 Rod MacLean EMT retires after more than two decades on call p. 2 Sheriff’s Reserves p. 4 Cover photo by MACKENZIE REISS

Thank you Sweet Grass County first responders for your dedication to our community.

22 Highway 10 East • (406) 932-4234 Search + Rescue

Alan Ronneberg Search and Rescue Coordinator

he search and rescue motto Tis “So Others May Live.” Across the country and across the world, this motto resonates through every SAR

organization. MACKENZIE REISS / Big Timber Pioneer Within that motto comes a common Sweet Grass County SAR members (left to right): Scott Bosch*, Kevin Langhus, Craig Wood, Zach thread of giving back to the Rennie*, Josh Fjare, Rusty Terland, Dave Tronrud, Lt. Alan Ronneberg, Aaron Woodham, Brian James, community and a desire to Dan Tronrud, Mark George, Cory Tronrud and Saul Heinemann. Charlie the dog is laying on the floor. Not pictured: Monica DeCock, Carson Pollington, Mackenzie Reiss. *These members are no longer active. help others in need of our specialized assistance. Our IN ACTION amazing group of people. The unit’s members offer their own Josh Fjare Standout volunteer camaraderie is great. individual and special talents My most memorable call to the group as they join was the rescue of a stranded and are shared throughout, motorcyclist in the Upper Deer expanding knowledge and Creek area last November. It capability to the unit. was the most intense weather Get involved change that I have seen and he Four years — SAR President was on the verge of death. Contact Sweet Grass The big thing is, you make a + I joined search and rescue County Sheriff ’s Office bond with these folks. There’s a for a couple reasons — to Lieutenant Alan Ronneberg certain bond that you’ll probably serve my community and be at (406) 932-5143 or attend always have with someone you around a good group of people. rescued, which is really neat. their meeting on the third LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer It’s also a learning experience. I have learned so much while Sunday of each month at the SAR members practice swiftwater I love the outdoors, and I courthouse. rescue techniques June 7. being a part of the search and wanted to help people. It’s an rescue organization.

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We appreciate everything you do for our community.

Crazy Mountain Chiropractic (406) 932-5528 — 301 W. First Ave.

2 | +First Responders 2015 Ambulance Service

Richard Pike Ambulance Manager

ichard started with the Sweet RGrass County Ambulance Service nearly six years ago. In addition to working as the ambulance manager, he also volunteers with LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer Big Timber’s youth Sweet Grass County Ambulance Service members (left to right): Brian James, Cory Tronrud, John baseball program. Ronneberg, Laurie Parrent, Shawn Tripp, Karen Elliott, Cookie Agnew, Paula Curtin, Tim Yuzeitis and Richard believes the Richard Pike. Not pictured: Francis Blake, Mery Donald, James Ellis, Tom Esp, David Fox, Jamie Lager, ambulance service’s greatest Kevin Langhus, Gail Payne, Kandi Schuman, Dan Tronrud and Aaron Woodham. strength is teamwork, while their greatest struggle is John Ronneberg We also have a close my clothes out, so I could get volunteerism. Of the 20 members on the roster, Standout volunteer working relationship with the dressed in the dark (I have seen , search and some interesting combinations four active members have rescue, law enforcement and at 3 a.m.), as well as parking more than 20 years with the Montana Highway Patrol — a and sitting so I could get away department. All members relationship not found in many quickly from kid’s programs, have more than two centuries counties in our state. concerts, ball games, etc. of experience combined. I would also state that our — — — Get involved county commissioners have It is important to me to 35 years — Advanced always been solid supporters volunteer because it seems to be emergency medical technician Contact Ambulance of emergency services and this not the thing to do anymore. + Manager Richard Pike at cooperation has carried forward We have a lot of difficulty, Our service is so fortunate to (406) 932-5384 or attend with our affiliation with Pioneer not only with the ambulance, have truly dedicated people who their meetings at 5:30 p.m. Medical Center. but with many public service provide only the best patient care. on the second and fourth — — — organizations that rely on They are one of the big reasons Monday of each month at When I first started as an volunteers to do very necessary I continue to serve. They are not the ambulance station. only co-workers, but friends. EMT, I got in the habit of laying work in the community. Thank you Sweet Grass County first responders

Locally owned and operated. 119 E. First Ave. • (406) 932-5323

2015 +First Responders | 3 Sheriff’s Reserves

Ron Swanson Sheriff’s Office Reserves Coordinator

he reserves greatest Tstrength is in the diversity of members and their dedication to the community and the sheriff’s office. Some members are new; LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer some have more than 20 years of service. Reserve deputies Jeff Jones (left), Kacee Vernia and sheriff’s office deputy Tim Stene clear a Reserves serve with no Sweet Grass County High School hallway during a mock active shooter training April 24. pay and supply their own agency assists all have their and three or four survived. equipment and uniforms. Tom Winters own most memorable calls. The scene was horrific. They have trained and Standout volunteer The list is ongoing with Later, as we were assisting continue to stay current with every shift you work. EMS and controlling traffic, changing laws to improve Very seldom will you hear I looked up and saw our their usefulness. law enforcement officers department chaplain, Ron After working their regular talking about their calls, Countryman. He had the jobs, they put in long hours, because protecting the privacy surviving members of the day or night, in all kinds of of citizens is something we family huddled together in situations and weather for no 16 years — Reserve officer believe in and are sworn to do. a safe spot and was praying more than the gratitude of the Any of the veteran reserve Having said all that, I will with them. His convictions, sheriff’s office and community. deputies could fill the say that a fatal traffic accident strength and caring devotion Get involved newspaper with accounts of I responded to many years ago were exactly what they and I memorable calls. Traffic stops, left a profound impact on me. needed for that awful day. + Contact Sergeant Ron weapon calls, traffic accidents, I, and several full-time I don’t think I have ever told Swanson at (406) 932-5143 fugitive searches, building deputies responded to Interstate him how witnessing that small or attend their meeting on clearances, public assists, 90 for a single-vehicle rollover scene impacted me or helped the second Thursday of each assaults, domestic disturbances, with multiple fatalities. Three me deal with the recurring month at the courthouse. combative arrests and inter- members of a family were killed memories of that call.

4 | +First Responders 2015 THANK YOU SWEET GRASS COUNTY Sweet Grass County FIRST RESPONDERS

Sweet Grass Ranch (406) 537-4477 — www.sweetgrassranch.com

ill’s B DINER & CATERING City, county officials offer Words of thanks

+City of Big Timber

The City of Big Timber Mayor and Council would like to take this opportunity to commend the This morning I got to witness the extreme countywide emergency services joy in 10 4-year-old’s faces when they arrived personnel, both past and present, for at the fire department in the “big red trucks” the outstanding care you give to our for fire prevention week. It was in that community. We also commend your moment I realized that every single one of families for their understanding and our local emergency services employees and personal sacrifice. volunteers do their “jobs” for so much more You are all “everyday heroes.” than what one would think. Volunteers have a unique sense of These people volunteer their time to benefit responsibility. We recognize the many every single person in our community, whether hours of training, missed weekends, it is from a car wreck, a fire or a gas leak to holidays, family events, days and nights the heartwarming events like giving these with little rest, and in some cases, lost sweet children a ride in the truck and teaching wages. You not only provide emergency them about fire safety, Sheriff Dan going to services at the risk of your own safety, the After School Program to teach Halloween but contribute to community education safety, officers volunteering to teach Hunter and event support as well. Education classes, our dispatchers working We also recognize that the well past the hour to finish that report on assistance volunteers provide across the missing child that they put their heart a wide range of emergencies would and soul into finding, the ambulance crew not be possible without valuable that has volunteers standing by at many support of employers from all events throughout the year, just in case — the sectors of the business community. list goes on and on. These volunteers and It has been said, “Those who can, do. employees never quit ceasing to amaze me. Those who can do more, volunteer.” So if you happen to see a volunteer or We thank you on behalf of the emergency service personnel out on the entire community. street, extend a hand and thank them … they do it all for our community! City of Big Timber Mayor, Council Brooke Osen Sweet Grass County DES/911 Coordinator +D isaster and Emergency S ervices

6 | +First Responders 2015 Volunteering is the ultimate exercise our community in the emergency in democracy. You vote in elections, you field. These dedicated individuals have take part in political discussions every realized that you make a living by what year, but when you volunteer, you vote you get, but you make a life by what every day about what kind of community you give. Volunteers are needed in all you want to live in. fields of emergency services; the next The men and women who are generation of responders is out there honored here are the heart and soul of and is needed. our community. When you look at the I will end this with one of my favorite years of service that these individuals quotes, “If you want to touch the past, have given to us, you start to see how touch a rock. If you want to touch the different a community we would have present, touch a flower. If you want to without the dedication and skills they touch the future, touch a life.” bring every time. Every emergency volunteer has As you look at the names of the touched a life. emergency volunteers you will see multiple generations of families who Dan Tronrud Sheriff Dan Tronrud have chosen the mission to serve Sweet grass County Sheriff +

Dear Citizens of Sweet Grass County, until the responders arrive. The Sweet Grass County Commissioners Volunteerism is on the downswing would like to take a moment to thank all of our nationwide; our community has always volunteer first responders who take time out of stepped up to the plate and shown the state their busy lives to train and go on emergency how committed we are to the job. calls, making our county a safer place to live. We would like to issue a challenge to all No matter what the time of day or night, in those interested: look into being a member fair and foul weather, our emergency service of a fire department, take an EMT class, find volunteers are here for you. They all have out if you have what it takes to be on search real jobs and yet, you will see them after and rescue or the sheriff’s reserves. work and on weekends training for their We guarantee it will change your view of respected emergency positions, whether the world. it is ambulance, fire, sheriff’s reserves or Please thank these people when you search and rescue. see them, Big Timber Volunteer Fire Also don’t forget our Sweet Grass County Department, along with Melville, McLeod, Sheriff’s officers, dispatchers and Montana Lower Deer Creek and Bridger Creek Highway Patrol troopers — many of our volunteer fire departments, Sweet Grass officers and dispatchers are cross-trained County Ambulance, Sweet Grass County in the above organizations. Although Search and Rescue and Sweet Grass County dispatchers don’t physically respond Sheriff’s Reserves. to emergency calls, they make sure all We are truly grateful for your commitment, responders get to the right location and often stay on the phone keeping people calm Sweet Grass County Commissioners +Sweet Grass County Commissioners

2015 +First Responders | 7 ON CALL “There’s no such thing as a textbook call” — Rod MacLean

MACKENZIE REISS / Big Timber Pioneer + Rod MacLean is pictured in his Reed By Mackenzie Reiss Point residence. The Pioneer Staff Writer former EMT volunteered with the Sweet Grass od MacLean is silent as he out for the last time, despite his best efforts. watches a deer pick its footing Like many goodbyes, this one too is bittersweet. County Ambulance through a leafy patch in his The former EMT was forced to make a Service for more than front yard. tough call of his own this past March. While two decades before Bridger Creek gurgles softly MacLean is sound of mind, his atrophying a medical condition Rfrom the west, but all else remains quiet. muscles couldn’t keep up with the physical prompted him to hand Even the wind — a seasonal hallmark — has demands of the job anymore. In a cruel in his pager. mercifully quelled for the day. twist of fate, the practitioner has become And for the first time in 24 years, there is the patient. And in time, the disease that no chance of a blaring pager interrupting that has sapped his strength will rob him of his peace. No more will he hear that drawn out mobility, too. Mocha, the chocolate Lab at his beep and race to his vehicle. No more will he feet, is in training to become his service dog. be a part of the life-saving team that is Sweet But after more than two decades of service, Grass County Ambulance Service. MacLean charges on to the next phase of his And no more will he be there for those “bad” journey with the same steady mindfulness that calls where he watches a patient breathe in and helped him excel as an EMT.

8 +First Responders 2015 9 + The beginning “When I did that, the air came out … human existence given his own condition. MacLean joined the ambulance service and I thought, ‘Was that his last breath?’” The turning point in MacLean’s career with the intent of helping his neighbors MacLean said. came when he was called for a patient who — “covering this end of the county,” he Thankfully the welcome sound of air was upstairs in a residence. There were no said, of the Bridger Creek area. MacLean rushing in and out came soon after he handrails on the stairway, as the house was would “take call” frequently once he began performed the maneuver as the man began being remodeled. MacLean took one look working in town, and other times, would breathing again. at it and knew his time as an EMT was coming to an end. respond from his residence — even in the + Close to home middle of the night. “There was no way I was going to go “The challenge was seeing people at the MacLean said he puts his personal up those stairs and be able to come down worst time in their lives and helping them feelings to the side in the field, focusing again. So, I just waited at the bottom and deal with that,” MacLean said. firmly on his patient. let the other two do the heavy lifting, MacLean’s introduction to the job One time he responded to a call for an and I thought, ‘yeah, I think it’s time,’” was a rough one — his first four calls individual having a heart attack at the MacLean said. included three fatalities. Number four was Frosty Freez. Upon arrival, he switched That spring, when it came time for an especially difficult wreck, he recalls. into first responder mode, performing CPR first responders to renew their contracts, A mother of three had flipped a van — almost automatically. MacLean told ambulance director Richard killing herself and one of her children in “I was so focused on doing CPR, I Pike to save himself the paperwork. the process. didn’t even see who it was until after,” + EMS today “There was a small child about the same MacLean said. age as my boys then … that was kind of It was his neighbor on the floor before him. MacLean’s retirement leaves the service tough,” MacLean said. “I guess you just do “We managed to bring them back — with 21 volunteers — a 30 percent decrease it. That person needs help. You don’t think defibrillated them there on scene — got a from just 10 years ago. MacLean said about it a lot of times until afterwards.” heart beat back and got them to the ER, he’s watched the pool of volunteer EMTs For MacLean, processing difficult calls but I think they called it there because she dwindle over the course of his career. As meant getting in touch with the ambulance went down again, and they couldn’t bring people’s lives become increasingly packed director or the hospital to find out if his her back,” MacLean said. “That’s just life — with commitments, they become less patient survived. In the case of the young that’s the way it goes.” inclined to spend what free time they do boy, the outcome was a good one: he In the worst of circumstances, MacLean have on volunteer work. escaped with a broken arm and a gash on said it is often the simplest gestures that “It’s definitely lower than I recall. I think his forehead. make all the difference. there’s still a good core of people that work “A lot of times after a particularly “Sometimes just holding somebody’s at it, but I think the core has gotten a little bad call, we’d have a debriefing where hand is about the best you can do,” he said. smaller,” MacLean said. “A lot of people everybody would go over what their “Empathy goes a long way with this job.” commit to taking the course, but when feelings were on it, and that helped quite a + The dark side it comes time to test out …,” they don’t bit,” MacLean said. complete that final step, he said. “It seems But the bad calls aren’t the only ones that After 24 years in the back of an like procrastination has become a disease stay with him. ambulance MacLean said he’s learned to … and people are just doing so much more “I know I saved a guy’s life once for cope with the darker side of medicine. stuff now. They’ve just got too many things sure at a branding,” MacLean said. “He “You learn you don’t know everything — was holding one of the calves down and a lot of times after a call you go back and going on in their lives.” all of a sudden the calf broke loose. He’d go, ‘Well, we could have done this or we But for those who do go the distance, been kind of acting a little not quite could have done that,’” he said. MacLean has some words of wisdom: there — I think he was hungover, drugs or MacLean, who practices mindful meditation “Learn all you can,” he said. “Every call’s something from the night before. And all on a daily basis, stresses being present. not going to be textbook. That’s part of the of a sudden, there he was laying out flat on “People die,” he said. “It could happen experience. You learn to pass the test when his back, not breathing.” anytime. It could happen tomorrow. you’re taking the classes, (but) real life is MacLean ran over to the young man and Everyday, be in the moment.” something else … there’s no such thing as a n performed a jaw-thrust to open his airway. He is especially aware of the fragility of the textbook call.”

8 +First Responders 2015 9 Sweet Grass County first responders in action

AL KNAUBER / Big Timber Pioneer LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer

Firefighters extinguish flames at an early morning house fire on Main Boulder Road near Search and rescue members train McLeod in January 2012. on horseback in September 2013.

MACKENZIE REISS / LINDSEY ERIN Big Timber Pioneer KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer Search and rescue members A group prepare to of first scour the Crazy responders Mountains make their for a missing way down a hunter in late- Sweet Grass September 2014. County High School hallway during an active shooter training in June 2014.

MONICA GOKEY / Big Timber Pioneer AL KNAUBER / Big Timber Pioneer

A 35-year-old victim of an Interstate 90 crash is loaded onto a helicopter for transport douse the flames of a house fire, to Billings from Pioneer Medical Center June 25, 2013. braving sub-zero temps in January 2012.

10 | +First Responders 2015 LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer

Sheriff’s deputies Tim Stene and Jason Ferguson stand with their new patrol vehicles March 1, 2013.

MACKENZIE REISS / Big Timber Pioneer

BTVFD Assistant Chief Kurt Laubach extinguishes a hot spot on a fallen cottonwood tree Feb. 7.

LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer

Undersheriff Jerry Mahlum assists with an intruder alarm drill at Big Timber Grade School in September 2013.

LINDSEY ERIN KROSKOB / Big Timber Pioneer

Above: Emergency responders investigate a June 2, 2014, rollover crash on Interstate 90. Left: Rusty Terland (left to right), Kevin Langhus, Zach Rennie, Dave Tronrud and Alan Ronneberg set up the Sweet Grass County Search and Rescue NEET Kart Aug. 18, 2013.

2015 +First Responders | 11 THANK YOU EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

IMBER EET GRA for all of the many hours of service T VO S IG L SW S GSP B . COUNTY S S VEERAC H 1908 E

R E I C you have given to our community. F I F F ’ SA R F . S F IRE DEPT O MONTANA 40 God bless you! Peaks of Glory Lutheran Parish Big Timber and Melville Lutheran Churches 114 W. Fourth Ave. — (406) 932-5723

Thank you Sweet Grass County emergency responders We appreciate everything you do to make Big Timber a safe and wonderful place to live! Little Timber S&

108 McLeod Street — (406) 932-6078 Sweet Grass Fire Get involved Big Timber Fire + Call the BTVFD fire hall at (406) 932- 5483 or attend the fireman’s meeting at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednes- day of each month at the fire hall. + Melville Fire Contact Fire Chief Matt Cremer at (406) 537-4481. + McLeod Fire MACKENZIE REISS /Big Timber Pioneer Contact Fire Chief Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department members at a recent training (left to right): John Gann, Kevin Stuart Stenberg at Langhus, Adam Turner, David Tronrud, Lindsey Kroskob, Kris Novotny, Kurt Laubach, Chase Stephens, (406) 932-6122. Charlie Mack, Mike Chulyak II, Brandon Wood and Columbus Fire Rescue member Carson Pollington. Pat Leary the Emter home during the Standout volunteer Derby Fire. It was very satisfying FROM MCLEOD knowing that because of the direct efforts of Mike Chulyak I, We started a fire crew Jay Hanson and myself, working to help the BTVFD to with Craig Emter (who had help cover more area. done a great job of preparing his It’s been enjoyable property for the potential fire working with friends, storm), they were able to sleep in neighbors and other 26 years — Captain their home that night. emergency responders. My most memorable call I joined because I grew up in a The most memorable was probably the Derby Fire small town and knew that things events were probably the because of the sheer magnitude didn’t just happen by themselves. Derby and Jungle Fires. of the whole thing — basically There generally isn’t enough That was a lifetime of one side of the county to the money in city/county coffers to Photo courtesy of Stuart Stenberg fire to deal with in the other — and the duration. support full-time emergency McLeod Fire members (left to matter of a few weeks! I am most proud of protecting, services or other community right): Brian Finnan, Dave Blake, — Chief Stuart Stenberg and I feel we ultimately saved, needs without volunteers. Bill Brownlee and Stuart Stenberg.

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2015 +First Responders | 13 Emergency Dispatch

Brooke Osen 911 Coordinator ispatchers are the backbone Dof emergency services. When a 911 call comes in, they are the first line of defense. The knowledge and

commitment each dispatcher has makes

it easier for responders MACKENZIE REISS / Big Timber Pioneer to perform their duties to their fullest capabilities. Sweet Grass County dispatchers (left to right): Raeann Halstead, Lori Thompson, Monica DeCock, Karen Berry and Wyetta Bolinger-Perret. Not Pictured: Patty Rudolph. Our community is small, our In their own words“ resources limited, and there is a

huge demand on our emergency I’ve learned to put the wet

responders during times of stuff on the red stuff ... “need. Everyone is busy with lives, and the wind blows in children and jobs. “ “ Sweet Grass County. Who will respond if not you and I? Pat Leary I think our community’s volunteer spirit is one of the things that makes + Can’t get enough? Pick up the Nov. 12 edition of the Big Timber Pioneer ours an exceptional place to live. to read more responses from Sweet Grass County first responders. Tom Winters

14 | +First Responders 2015 Sheriff’s Office

Dan Tronrud Sheriff he strengths of the Sweet Grass TCounty Sheriff ’s Office is its men and women and their dedication to keeping Sweet Grass County and the City of Big Timber a safe place to live and visit. Being an emergency responder in this community is like being in a large extended MACKENZIE REISS / Big Timber Pioneer family. We work Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s deputies (left to right): Lt. Alan Ronneberg, Thor Terland, Sheriff Dan together for one goal, Tronrud, Undersheriff Jerry Mahlum, Jason Ferguson and Tim Stene. Not pictured: Sgt. Ron Swanson and that’s to provide help and comfort when needed, making Jerry Mahlum single out a particular call in — — — sure that we all go safely home at the end of our day. Standout deputy a way seems like injustice to A law enforcement the rest. As a public servant, occupation is one of very Every day is different in I have been proud to be of high stress. An officer has emergency services. The days service in the best of times expectations from family, can go from quiet to chaotic and the worst of times. their religion, their agency in a matter of seconds, and — — — and the public they work for. you must be trained and The calls I am most proud Quite simply, a truly dedicated prepared to professionally of are the ones a suspect officer has a huge juggling handle that event. 40 years — Undersheriff shakes my hand and thanks act ahead of him/her to meet Have an emergency? All calls are memorable to me for doing my job in a these expectations, as they are a varying degree, whether it professional manner or the different. More often than not, + Contact the sheriff ’s be a fatal accident or giving hugs received from citizens in family and religion are the office at (406) 932-5143. assistance to a citizen. To need of help. losers in this juggling act.

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2015 +First Responders | 15 +FROM THE TOP

Lt. Alan Ronneberg Richard Pike Sgt. Ron Swanson Kris Novotny Dan Tronrud SEARCH AND RESCUE AMBULANCE RESERVES BTVFD SWEET GRASS COORDINATOR MANAGER COORDINATOR CHIEF COUNTY SHERIFF

hroughout the years, y motivation he most important he Big Timber he mission we have grown and for joining the thing I have Volunteer Fire statement, which Tmatured as a team. MSweet Grass Tlearned through TDepartment has Tis our focus, We have seen the best County Ambulance my years is to serve been a consistent part is to “Maintain a and the worst in both Service was to help without judgement. It of my entire life. department that is free ourselves and in those we the people of this is important to treat I am proud of the of personal gain and are called upon to assist. community, and I’ve each situation, each call, teamwork our members holds the community Being a part of this always had an interest each individual with show on every incident. needs above all.” team hopefully makes in emergency medical dignity and respect. A Finding time to Our goal has always us better sons and services leadership. bad decision doesn’t balance family, work, play been to keep up to date daughters, husbands As an organization, necessarily make you a and the department’s with the technology and wives, and citizens we hope to recruit bad person, and I make incidents and trainings and training that is of our community. new members through a point to remember can be difficult, but when currently available Each call embeds a teaching classes here in that every day. it comes down to the while staying within memory for different the county. Being a responder is wire, we are confident in the budget that has reasons for different Being an emergency rewarding, gratifying, the work we do and it’s been approved. members. Triumph, responder in this fulfilling, frustrating all well worth it. The greatest struggle, frustration, arduous, small community can and sometimes Moving forward, we as with any emergency ease, time and resources be difficult at times, heartbreaking. are working hard to organization, is to — each call amazes because you often Sweet Grass County offer more interesting maintain and properly me in the number of know the patient. is incredibly fortunate to trainings to better train quality personnel members ready to go But I’ve also learned a have so many dedicated our abilities, while also to keep up with the at a moment’s notice, strong EMS system can people who are willing focusing on member increasing variety and no matter where, no be vital in rural health to give of themselves recruitment and the sheer volume of matter when. care to their survival. and their skills. retention. calls for service.

THANK YOU

WE APPRECIATE OUR SWEET GRASS COUNTY EMERGENCY RESPONDERS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!

RC Autobody 213 W. FIRST AVE. — (406) 932-5609

16 | +First Responders 2015 Thank you Sweet Grass County emergency responders. we appreciate everything you do for our community.

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THANK YOU SWEET GRASS an Appliances COUNTY FIRST “We service what we sell.” RESPONDERS.

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The Big Timber Pioneer + 105 W. Second Ave. + (406) 932-5298 + www.bigtimberpioneer.net