MADISON, Wis. — A Madison firefighter/paramedic won top honors. Jon Frank earned the title, “Paramedic of the Year” by the Wisconsin EMS Association.
Frank works at Station 8 on Madison’s east side. He became a firefighter/paramedic because he wanted to help people.
Frank has been with the Madison Fire Department for 22 years. He’s a senior paramedic on MFD’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team and serves one of the city’s busiest ambulances.
“[My favorite part is] just being out in the community, being able to have every day be different,” Frank said. “Meeting new people, constantly being in a position where you can help them make a difference in their lives.”
Being named “Paramedic of the Year” was an honor, but Frank said this award is not just about him.
“I know that I am part of a team,” Frank said. “I know that I wouldn’t be able to do this without all the support, my partners, all those things. Nothing is done in isolation. Everything is done as a team.”
Frank’s colleagues said his leadership and dedication make them all better.
“It’s a very stressful job emotionally and physically,” said Lt. Adam Phillipson, one of Frank’s coworkers at Station 8. “It has a very high burnout rate. Jon has managed to cope with that very well in his career, and while doing that, he’s also been able to maintain a very high level of professionalism and compassion.”
Frank admitted it can be very difficult and emotional work trying to help people in tough circumstances. He said helping someone survive, or seeing a paramedic student thrive, is what keeps him going.
“Every day can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort to make that happen,” Frank said.