Editor’s note: Congratulations to submitter LeaAnn Clark from Kentucky and nominee Charles Riefle who won the grand prize in our “Everyday Heroes” contest. We asked for you to submit a photo and short story about a responder you would call a ‘hero’. We selected six finalists out of almost 100 entries, and then left it up to you, the reader to pick the winner. Here was your most heroic EMT out of the bunch.
Submitted by LeaAnn Clark
Irvine, Kentucky
Charles Riefle is an excellent example of an everyday hero. He always goes above and beyond the call of duty.
He can always be counted on to be there when he is needed. I have seen him come in to work early, leave work late, and come in on very short notice.
He is always doing something to further his education and help others to further theirs.
He is always jumping in to help when ever there is a need.
Charles makes me want to be a better EMT just because of his excellent work ethic and by the way he does his job.
He is a great example to anyone that is new to the job, always helping to show the “newbies” what is what.
He is always willing to take the new person under his wing and teach them the way things are done at the service.
One particular incident stands out in my mind: He was at home and there was a fatal accident that was toned out on the radio. He heard the call and responded on his day off.
That is what makes him a hero to me — the fact that he will drop what he is doing to help out whenever he is needed.