City of Wabasha thanks its First Responders
City of Wabasha celebrates National First Responder’s Day today 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, firefighters respond to thousands of emergency calls each year in Wabasha.
Their job isn’t always easy. Darren Sheeley, Wabasha’s Fire Chief has 36 years with the Wabasha Fire Department. “ 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.”
Wabasha’s first responders face a number of other challenges- as no two days or no two calls are ever the same- motorcycle accidents, fires, multiple calls at the same time, water rescues, and more. Both ambulance and fire have had a significant volume of calls this year.
“ As a rural service and with the increase in call volume, we rely on the teamwork within our small community. Having a close working relationship with fire, police, Sheriff’s department, means that we have that extra support when we need it,” said Ryan Marking.
Joe Stark, has been police chief for the Wabasha Police Department for 10 years and a police officer for 24 years. “In my career here, this is the most veteran force that Wabasha has ever day. Any officer with their years of experience and training can handle almost any situation. I am honored to work every day with people who do everything possible to make Wabasha as safe as place to live as it can be.”
