Riverside Elementary School 2nd graders put on their "Believe In Heroes" program. Riverside invited local First Responders and recognized us for the work we do in our community. Select second-grade students interviewed a member from each- Grants Pass Police, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, and American Medical Response. The performance included songs and other speaking parts as well. After the program, the 2nd grade classes got to check out the emergency vehicles and speak with the representatives from each agency. We were honored by the number of first responders who came- more than 30 between the morning and evening. This is an annual program that Riverside started in 2019.
Vicki Van Manen said “The reason behind this program is two-fold: to honor some of the members of our community who keep us safe on a daily basis; and to bring in these first responders to meet our students so they can interact and be more comfortable with them if the kids/families are ever put in a situation where that trust is needed.”
Grants Pass Fire Rescue would like to share an incredible story of how high school student Michael Holt performed CPR before the fire department and paramedic arrival. Michael’s quick thinking and heroic actions saved someone's life and it's a testament to the importance of being trained in CPR.
It all started when Michael Holt was working at Taprock Northwest Grill Grants Pass and noticed a person coughing, appearing to choke before going unconscious. He quickly realized that the person was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Without hesitation, Michael sprang into action, performing CPR on the person until the fire department arrived.
Thanks to Michael’s actions, the person was revived and taken to the hospital for further treatment. We know through experience the outcome may not have been possible without Michael Holt starting this life-saving treatment.
This is truly an inspiring story, and it highlights the importance of being trained in CPR. You never know when you might need to use this life-saving technique, and having the knowledge and skills to do so can make all the difference in the world. Over 4000 people a year die of choking and more than 1000 people die a day from cardiac arrest. Over 40% of the population is not trained or is unwilling to take action to assist. Another piece of the puzzle CPR is a skill not obtained for your benefit but for another member of our community most likely a family member.
Grants pass Firefighters want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to consider getting trained in CPR. It's a relatively simple skill to learn, but it can make a world of difference in an emergency situation. And who knows, you might just be the one to save a life someday, just like Michael did.
In conclusion, we want to extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to Michael. His actions were truly heroic, and they remind us all of the power of quick thinking and decisive action in an emergency.
As a sign of appreciation, an award and challenge coin was presented to Michael.
Sunday, March 12 marked the 32nd annual Firefighter Stair climb. The event raises money and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma and since its inception, the event has raised over 24 million for blood-related cancer. This year 6 of the Grants Pass Firefighters took the journey to Seattle WA to ascend the “tower” and support the mission of the LLS. The grueling event requires firefighters to climb 69 flights of the tower in full structural turnout gear while wearing and consuming air in their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The Grants Pass Firefighters would like to thank all the generous donors and the support provided by the Grants Pass Fire Department and the City of Grants Pass. This year’s team comprised of Lt. Travis Marsh (27:04), Lt. Michael Fazio (24:24), Lt. Justin Miller (18:59), Eng. Eli Cunningham (16:03), FF Josh Ward (23:20), and FF TJ Alvarez (29:48).