Ascension Parish adds 25 new first responders

Twenty-five new first responders have begun answering emergency medical calls for Ascension Parish fire departments after completing a first responder training course at the Fire District 1 Public Safety Center.

The class was sponsored by Acadian Ambulance and taught by Paul Richard.

The new responders are Amanda McGowan, Jordan Landry, Lloyd Solar and Nelson Pinion II from the Sorrento Volunteer Fire Dept.; Thomas Gai, Matt Bauer, Shannon Collins and Robert Collins from the 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Dept.; Sarah Oleksa, Donnie McDonald, Pat Gonzales and Butch Williams from the Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.; and Owen Dempsey, Nat Stephens, Jay Goodlow and Arrington Beasley from the Geismar Volunteer Fire Dept.

Fire District 1 recognized the new first responders for putting in many hours of their time to attend the classes, Lance Ortego of Acadian for coordinating the class, Don Robert for supplying the car for the simulated wreck for the final exam, the 7th District for their rescue team for the simulation and Amber Bartell and Ryan Callaway for playing the victims in the final exam.

The district also thanked Dominos Pizza and Harvest supermarket for supplying meals and refreshments for the students, most of whom came directly to class from work without time to eat.

Also thanks went out to Wanda Martin, Dawn Ewen, assistant chief Jimmie Pellerin, chief Nat Stephens and the Sorrento Volunteer Fire Dept. for cooking and arranging meals for the classes.