Wabasha thanks its first responders

City of Wabasha celebrated National First Responder’s Day on October 28th by recognizing the heroic paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and 911 operators who quickly respond in emergency situations. City of Wabasha’s police officers, EMS providers, fire fighters respond to hundreds of emergency calls each year.

Their job isn’t always easy. Darren Sheeley, Wabasha’s Fire Chief has 35 years with the Wabasha Fire Department and 25 years as part of the Wabasha Ambulance Service. He has been chief for nine years and assistant chief for six years.

“ Dealing with traumatic calls and deaths in our small community can be the hardest part,” said Sheeley, “When I show up on scene, that traumatic incident, can be to that of my friend, my neighbors, or loved ones.”

Dan Metcalf has been with the City of Wabasha for 11 years, first as an officer and now as the investigator. In 2010, Metcalf was working as a phlebotomist at Mayo, but realize he wanted a career change, so he contacted Goodhue County about a ride along.

“ For most of it, this was the most boring ride along I’ve ever done- I was tasked with cleaning the car. But as we were finishing up, there was a call for a domestic dispute, that resulted in a fleeing suspect and a pursuit.” The next day Officer Metcalf enrolled in the criminal justice program at Rochester Technical College and started with the City of Wabasha in 2013.

Metcalf explains the highs and lows of being a first responder.

“Throughout my career, I was first on scene, started CPR, and brought a couple people back to life. I am with people on the worst days of their life, trying to make things better I can. Now, in my current role as investigator, I am trying to bring closure for people, and I really enjoy that.”

Wabasha’s first responders also often give up time on holidays with loved ones, postpone a vacation, experience sleep deprivation- all in order to serve their community.

“We are lucky to have a dedicated, experienced, and very self-less group of volunteers that have served as first responders here for a very long time, with deep roots in the community,” said Marking.

Wabasha also stands out as a community where the departments and services are great at teamwork and collaboration.

“They (other departments) not only will help you on the scene but also outside of a call because they want to provide the best service they can to the Wabasha community,” said Marking.

Joe Stark, police chief for the Wabasha Police Department, frequently points to his team of officers to describe the best part of his job.

“I am honored to work every day with a team that does everything possible to make Wabasha as safe as place to live as it can be.”