by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
How to Vote for Traci
Congrats to our Hero of the Month, Traci Smith! Voting is now Closed! Thanks to all who shared and posted below. Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming April Finalists.
Be sure to read all our heroes’ stories here.
Traci Smith is as critical care paramedic both at Grinnell Regional Medical Center and with East Poweshiek Ambulance Service where she is also the Director of Operations. Traci joined the ambulance service in 1997, and quickly went on to study to become an EMT, then to further become a paramedic. She teaches CPR classes for businesses and groups who need training and to those who want further mentoring in becoming an EMT like herself.
Friends say Traci is always ready to give a helping hand, whether medical, or someone in just need of a hug. It was mid-November when Traci met Tim and Barb for the first time. Tim collapsed at work and headed to the hospital. This was one of many trips. Tim met Traci, and stayed in communication with the family even after more trips especially through the holidays. Traci kept in contact with Barb throughout the whole experience. Collogues say Traci is one of those people that knows everyone and everyone knows her.
by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
How to Vote for Elden
Voting is now Closed. Thanks to all who shared and commented about Elden. Be sure to stay tuned for April’s voting for our next finalists!
Be sure to read all our heroes’ stories here.
Elden Elmer has volunteered with South Knox Elementary for over the past 14 years. He spends about 3 days a week helping in the kindergarten classrooms, going on field trips, and helping raise funds for the kids, including lunches.
Since the school is short staffed with parents helping, Mr. E is able to provide a helping hand when needed whether it’s laminating and copying or helping tie-dye shirts with the kids. He helped collect money from his local church to help with the school book fair. Colleagues say that he always has a positive outlook on life, and he says that it’s fun to work with all the kids.
by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
How to vote for Debbie
Thank you for those who have commented and voted. Voting is now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of our Hero of the Month for February.
Be sure to read all our heroes’ stories here.
Deb Fell is said to be a phenomenal Special Needs educator, mastering the art and craft of teaching using her Irish charm to calm students during crisis thanks to her “Hakuna-Matata” approach to life and school. She is not seen by most as a boss, but more like a marvel inspiring those around her. She tutors and helps new teachers learn the most important lessons at hand to be successful educators themselves.
She recognizes that for new teachers it’s that “street smarts” are more valuable than “book smarts” taught in any education class. Deb is passionate about continuing one’s personal education to continue success in the field and is not one to shy away from a learning opportunity. Deb took a trip to Guatemala for a course to further her knowledge of Spanish.
by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
How to vote for Phil and Austin
Thank you for those who have commented and voted. Voting is now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of our Hero of the Month for February.
Be sure to read all our heroes’ stories here.
Corporal Phil Arnzen and Deputy Austin Smith are nominated for their bravery, courage, and for going above the call. Both were dispatched to an accident call to where the vehicle had left the road, overturning into a ditch full of water. One of the occupants from the car was pinned under the vehicle, placing them under water, trying to keep their head above it.
Arnzen and Smith then paged for the local volunteer fire department. With no time to wait for the other medical units to arrive, both officers decided to lift the car off the victim, being only option left to save a life. They were able to lift and move the 2,800 pound vehicle, in fact saving the victim’s life. Corporal Arnzen and Deputy Smith were both awarded a Certificate for Valor and Bravery for their actions.
by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
How to vote for Shira
Thank you for those who have commented and voted. Voting is now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of our Hero of the Month for February.
Be sure to read all our heroes’ stories here.
Shira Coleman is a tough nurse that does whatever it takes to give her patients the best care possible. She first became an EMT and from that her passion grew stronger. She wanted to be a nurse. Shira is a full-time charge nurse in the ER, and sexual assault nurse examiner, helping with forensic cases.
She has helped save many lives during the aftermath of the Aurora shootings, staying calm and collective helping anyway she could. Along with being nominated for the Nightingale Award, she is working on a new protocol for her hospital for mass casualty incidents. In addition to being a busy nurse, she is a great mom.
