By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
First responders on the streets and in hospitals were thanked recently for bringing help to opiate addicts and hope to the community.
Police, fire and EMS personnel gathered in the Wood County Courthouse atrium to receive the gratitude of local officials who realize the difference they make to many who are addicted to opiates, and their families.
True to form, the first responders present shunned the spotlight – preferring to be in the background while others talked.
“Not often enough do we take time out for the people who deal with it every day,” said Chris Streidl, interim director of Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services. He pointed out the frequent efforts made to revive opiate addicts, so they can have another chance at life.
“They bring help to those who need it. They bring hope to the community,” Streidl said.
The roles of first responders continue to change – with more frequent and serious demands being placed on them.
Marc Jensen, vice chair of the ADAMHS Board, talked about being a first responder for seven years.
“You’re never trained enough. Every situation is different. Every situation is frightening. Every situation is soul-searing,” Jensen said. “But you keep doing it because it’s your duty.”
The community needs to support those first responders, who are often hit by the severity of the situation hours after they return from the scene, he said.
“Please give them your undying support and admiration,” Jensen said.
The Wood County Commissioners also offered their support, including Craig LaHote, who was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for years.
“It’s amazing to me how much the landscape has changed,” he said, noting all the new training requirements and difficult challenges. “We really appreciate all the first responders.”
Commissioner Doris Herringshaw talked about the commitment of first responders – even when they aren’t on duty.
“We want to thank first responders for always being there, even when you’re not in your uniform,” she said. “We know that you’re there for us. We are glad we have people willing to do that.”
And Commissioner Ted Bowlus talked about the first responders putting themselves at risk when responding to calls, especially with extremely potent versions of opiates.
“The first responders are putting the welfare of the patients ahead of themselves,” he said.
Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson talked about the side of first responders that the public does not see. The officer struggling to transition from the scene of death back to patrolling the roads. The young officer asking for a new assignment when the stress is too great. And the rush to put together a case against a drug dealer who is responsible for the death of two local people, so no more will die.
“That takes a toll,” Dobson said. “They struggle against the callousness that can come” from dealing with repeat overdoses.
Dobson challenged the audience to start a new trend.
“We thank our men and women who have served in the military,” he said. “Here in Wood County let’s start a new trend. Thank first responders for their service that is equally as important.”
State legislators representing Wood County were also present to express their appreciation to first responders on the streets and in hospitals.
“It’s not every day we take time to say ‘thank you,’” said State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg.
He acknowledged the changing roles of first responders, making their jobs “more and more complex.”
“You have an advocate down at the statehouse,” Ghanbari said.
State Senator Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, thanked Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn and Bowling Green Police Chief Tony Hetrick for helping with legislation.
“You are the ones on the ground, the experts in this field,” she said. “You know where the barriers are.”
“I want to continue working on legislation that makes a difference,” Gavarone said.
