WKXA is asking area listeners to nominate a First Responder, or Front Line worker to give us the opportunity to shine a light on them and the good work they do. These First Responders are today’ heroes, stepping up to help their community.
WKXA and DNC Hydraulics will honor a First Responder every Friday at 7:10 during the morning show with Rex Howard. Each First Responder selected will receive a gift card for Dougie John’s pizza, courtesy of DNC Hydraulics.
To submit a nomination, please click the button.
Nominate a First Responder
Congratulations to our Spotlighted First Responders
Alex Kear Vaughn Industry
Alex has taken on the very challenging career of being a high-voltage lineman. They work in all kinds of weather conditions in many very dangerous situations to keep our power on working endless hours and also traveling out on storms to restore our power.
Alex has taken on the very challenging career of being a high-voltage lineman. They work in all kinds of weather conditions in many very dangerous situations to keep our power on working endless hours and also traveling out on storms to restore our power.
Alexus NewmanJackson Forest EMS
Alexus is 23 years old and works at the Wyandot County license bureau. She is a volunteer EMT. Loves helping people and animals. She is active in a dog rescue. She takes every WMS call she can go on to help anyway she can. She became an EMT at the age of 19 years old and has been working with animals since the age of 12.
Alexus is 23 years old and works at the Wyandot County license bureau. She is a volunteer EMT. Loves helping people and animals. She is active in a dog rescue. She takes every WMS call she can go on to help anyway she can. She became an EMT at the age of 19 years old and has been working with animals since the age of 12.
Allison CareyJackson Forest Emergency Medical Service
Allison Carey has been a dedicated first responder on the Jackson-Forest EMS for many years. As acting chief, she is well-respected by her peers and the community at large, constantly trying to strengthen and improve the department.
Allison Carey has been a dedicated first responder on the Jackson-Forest EMS for many years. As acting chief, she is well-respected by her peers and the community at large, constantly trying to strengthen and improve the department.
Beth DeckerMercy Health Tiffin
Beth is working full time as an EMT on the mobile life flight unit while her 15 year old son is in Nationwide Hospital after a heart transplant. She has an amazing heart to help people and comfort her patients when she is with them.
Beth is working full time as an EMT on the mobile life flight unit while her 15 year old son is in Nationwide Hospital after a heart transplant. She has an amazing heart to help people and comfort her patients when she is with them.
Bob CrawfordBlanchard Township Volunteer Fire Department
My father joined Blanchard township volunteer fire department in 1981, as a firefighter and climbed his way up to chief for a few years and now that he’s close to retirement he has landed himself as assistant chief. He has always been my hero and I’ve been following in his foot steps for 5 years now
My father joined Blanchard township volunteer fire department in 1981, as a firefighter and climbed his way up to chief for a few years and now that he’s close to retirement he has landed himself as assistant chief. He has always been my hero and I’ve been following in his foot steps for 5 years now
Brandon KendrickHancock County Sheriff Department
Sergeant Brandon Kendrick has served in the United States Army for 8 years. He served in Afghanistan from 2011-2012. Deputy Brandon Kendrick has been a great asset to the Hancock County Sheriff’s department for almost 9 years. He worked in 911 dispatch for 3 years and as a Deputy Sheriff for 5 years. Deputy Kendrick is currently in his 3rd year as Liberty Benton Schools Resource Officer. He is a YIELD (Young Individual Educating Local Drivers) and Hancock County Sheriff Explorers Advisor. Brandon also assists in the Hancock County ERT (Emergency Response Team).
Sergeant Brandon Kendrick has served in the United States Army for 8 years. He served in Afghanistan from 2011-2012. Deputy Brandon Kendrick has been a great asset to the Hancock County Sheriff’s department for almost 9 years. He worked in 911 dispatch for 3 years and as a Deputy Sheriff for 5 years. Deputy Kendrick is currently in his 3rd year as Liberty Benton Schools Resource Officer. He is a YIELD (Young Individual Educating Local Drivers) and Hancock County Sheriff Explorers Advisor. Brandon also assists in the Hancock County ERT (Emergency Response Team).
Brent DermyerFindlay Whirlpool/ Volunteer Firefighter of Ada
He's very passionate about being on the front lines, always there when needed!! Whirlpool he's a first responder for people who have health issues and or hurt, very caring, always available, people person and for many a hero.
He's very passionate about being on the front lines, always there when needed!! Whirlpool he's a first responder for people who have health issues and or hurt, very caring, always available, people person and for many a hero.
Captain Barry SauberCity of Findlay Fire Dept.
Capt. Sauber is a 25 year veteran firefighter with the City of Findlay Fire Dept. He has been a captain for 14 years. Capt. Sauber is very deserving of this recognition.
Capt. Sauber is a 25 year veteran firefighter with the City of Findlay Fire Dept. He has been a captain for 14 years. Capt. Sauber is very deserving of this recognition.
Clay RenzHancock County Sheriff's Department Deputy
Clay takes extra shifts whenever they ask, which is almost all the time because they are short staffed. During a snowstorm, he was still out there on patrol helping stranded motorists, those who have been in accidents and he even when and got a dispatcher at their house and took them to work and back home again. Clay is also a volunteer for the Washington Township fire department. Clay works a lot of hours to keep our county safe and deserves to win the first responder of the week contest.
Clay takes extra shifts whenever they ask, which is almost all the time because they are short staffed. During a snowstorm, he was still out there on patrol helping stranded motorists, those who have been in accidents and he even when and got a dispatcher at their house and took them to work and back home again. Clay is also a volunteer for the Washington Township fire department. Clay works a lot of hours to keep our county safe and deserves to win the first responder of the week contest.
Cory KirianBloomdale Fire And Rescue
Cory is one of the EMTs for the Bloomdale Volunteer fire department! He has been put through some rough medical issues recently with his mom but still makes it a point to show up and help others in the area when there’s a call! Not only does he help with anything and everything at the fire department he’s cool, calm, collected and the best you could ask for on scene! Although I hope you never have to meet him due to an EMS call, he’s a great guy to know!
Cory is one of the EMTs for the Bloomdale Volunteer fire department! He has been put through some rough medical issues recently with his mom but still makes it a point to show up and help others in the area when there’s a call! Not only does he help with anything and everything at the fire department he’s cool, calm, collected and the best you could ask for on scene! Although I hope you never have to meet him due to an EMS call, he’s a great guy to know!
Curtis EckertBlanchard Valley Hospital
Curtis is a Registered Nurse working in the Critical Care Unit at Blanchard Valley Hospital. Curtis is an open Heart step down nurse and his trained on life support equipment. During the pandemic, Curtis has helped take care of many Critical Covid Patients. The many hours and extra shifts that he and his co-workers went through during this pandemic shows the commitment to serve their community.
Curtis is a Registered Nurse working in the Critical Care Unit at Blanchard Valley Hospital. Curtis is an open Heart step down nurse and his trained on life support equipment. During the pandemic, Curtis has helped take care of many Critical Covid Patients. The many hours and extra shifts that he and his co-workers went through during this pandemic shows the commitment to serve their community.
Derrick WearsNorth Baltimore EMS and BKP Ambulance
I am nominating my husband because he is an amazing and dedicated Paramedic Captain at NB EMS and then also works part time at BKP Ambulance in Kenton. He genuinely loves his job and serving our local communities. He has been in EMS since 2012 and just recently finished classes to become an EMS instructor. He’s also a wonderful father and husband! We appreciate him so much!
I am nominating my husband because he is an amazing and dedicated Paramedic Captain at NB EMS and then also works part time at BKP Ambulance in Kenton. He genuinely loves his job and serving our local communities. He has been in EMS since 2012 and just recently finished classes to become an EMS instructor. He’s also a wonderful father and husband! We appreciate him so much!
Dillon KlieschDillon Kliesch
He is our hero at home every day being an amazing father and husband. I want the community to know how amazing and hard-working he is. He just received a life-saving award at work. He gives 110% at both home and work every day.
He is our hero at home every day being an amazing father and husband. I want the community to know how amazing and hard-working he is. He just received a life-saving award at work. He gives 110% at both home and work every day.
Dominic Francis Bluffton Police Department
In Memory
On behalf of all the Cory Rawson athletes whose lives he impacted.
In Memory
On behalf of all the Cory Rawson athletes whose lives he impacted.
Donovan ReinhartBloom Twp Fire Department
At just 19 year old, Donovan has already been a volunteer firefighter for Bloomville for a year and half. He has already seen things most people never want to experience, but he continues to answer the call whenever needed. Donovan is the first to step up when an opportunity to help presents itself and never backs down from a challenge. He is currently attending classes to become a professional firefighter in addition to volunteering at the local fire department and holding a full time job.
At just 19 year old, Donovan has already been a volunteer firefighter for Bloomville for a year and half. He has already seen things most people never want to experience, but he continues to answer the call whenever needed. Donovan is the first to step up when an opportunity to help presents itself and never backs down from a challenge. He is currently attending classes to become a professional firefighter in addition to volunteering at the local fire department and holding a full time job.
Doug MarshallFindlay Police Department
The greatest guy I know. Was at Donnell MIddle school talking to students and greeting them over the years. Volunteered with the police dept at Christmas time for Shop with a cop. Kids loved it. Has received the Findlay Police Dept. Lifesaving Award.
The greatest guy I know. Was at Donnell MIddle school talking to students and greeting them over the years. Volunteered with the police dept at Christmas time for Shop with a cop. Kids loved it. Has received the Findlay Police Dept. Lifesaving Award.
Gary HickmanAllen Township Volunteer Fire Department
Gary is the Fire Chief for the Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department located in Van Buren, Ohio. He does an outstanding job running the department smoothly and keeping everyone up to date on their training.
Gary is the Fire Chief for the Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department located in Van Buren, Ohio. He does an outstanding job running the department smoothly and keeping everyone up to date on their training.
Hancock County Corrections OfficersHancock County Justice Center
May 1 - May 7, 2022 is National Corrections Officer Week. In honor of all who are currently serve and all who have served as Corrections Officers at the Hancock County Justice Center we would like to honor all of our truly unseen heros. Although they may not be seen daily by the general public they are the responsible protectors of the community by maintaining the safety and security of the Hancock County Justice Center and those incarcerated by preventing escape and unrest while preserving the constitutional rights of those awaiting criminal prosecution and conviction.
May 1 - May 7, 2022 is National Corrections Officer Week. In honor of all who are currently serve and all who have served as Corrections Officers at the Hancock County Justice Center we would like to honor all of our truly unseen heros. Although they may not be seen daily by the general public they are the responsible protectors of the community by maintaining the safety and security of the Hancock County Justice Center and those incarcerated by preventing escape and unrest while preserving the constitutional rights of those awaiting criminal prosecution and conviction.
Herb StumpLiberty Township Fire Department
Herb has served on the Liberty Township Fire Department for 50 years. Herb started the dept in April 1972. Herb has also served the Township as a Trustee for many years. We would like to honor Herb for his years of service to the Township and community, as 50 years as a public servant is a rare accomplishment.
Herb has served on the Liberty Township Fire Department for 50 years. Herb started the dept in April 1972. Herb has also served the Township as a Trustee for many years. We would like to honor Herb for his years of service to the Township and community, as 50 years as a public servant is a rare accomplishment.
James AmstutzMcComb EMS
jJames works 4 or 5 jobs to support his family. At least 100 hours a week, plus teaching at Rhodes State College to teach people about what it's like to be in the medicine field. He's also part of Appleseed EMS, North Baltimore EMS, McComb EMS, and substitutes as a school nurse.
jJames works 4 or 5 jobs to support his family. At least 100 hours a week, plus teaching at Rhodes State College to teach people about what it's like to be in the medicine field. He's also part of Appleseed EMS, North Baltimore EMS, McComb EMS, and substitutes as a school nurse.
James and Jamey MilesSouthwest Fire District
James and Jamey Miles are father and son first responders. James has been a volunteer with the Jenera Fire Department (now the Southwest Fire District of Hancock County) for 25 years. He is a captain. James is a full time Paramedic with Hanco where he has been employeed for 20 years. Jamey has been a volunteer firefighter with the Southwest Fire District for two and a half years. He was honored to be the first firefighter pinned for the Southwest Fire District upon his completion of his voluteer firefighter course during his senior year in high school. (The picture is Jamey's badge pinning by his dad.)
James and Jamey Miles are father and son first responders. James has been a volunteer with the Jenera Fire Department (now the Southwest Fire District of Hancock County) for 25 years. He is a captain. James is a full time Paramedic with Hanco where he has been employeed for 20 years. Jamey has been a volunteer firefighter with the Southwest Fire District for two and a half years. He was honored to be the first firefighter pinned for the Southwest Fire District upon his completion of his voluteer firefighter course during his senior year in high school. (The picture is Jamey's badge pinning by his dad.)
Jan BasingerBluffton EMS
Jan has served on the Bluffton EMS for many years and many of those last years are as the EMS chief. He is very selfless and always will put a call for service before his own schedule. Jan has a great way of communicating with the patients to help them be more comfortable and calm when in need. Being a volunteer EMT takes a lot of commitment and dedication and leading a group of volunteer EMTs takes that same commitment and dedication.
Jan has served on the Bluffton EMS for many years and many of those last years are as the EMS chief. He is very selfless and always will put a call for service before his own schedule. Jan has a great way of communicating with the patients to help them be more comfortable and calm when in need. Being a volunteer EMT takes a lot of commitment and dedication and leading a group of volunteer EMTs takes that same commitment and dedication.
Jason MattoxFindlay Fire Department
Jason's compassionate self really shines through in all aspects of work. Recently he was on a medical run for an elderly man. Due to COVID restrictions - this man’s wife could not go with him to the hospital. Jason got off shift about 2 hours after this, went back to this couples house, and drove this elderly woman to the ER to be with her husband.
Jason's compassionate self really shines through in all aspects of work. Recently he was on a medical run for an elderly man. Due to COVID restrictions - this man’s wife could not go with him to the hospital. Jason got off shift about 2 hours after this, went back to this couples house, and drove this elderly woman to the ER to be with her husband.
Jennifer BantaWyandot Community Connections
There is a wonderful lady here in Upper Sandusky who makes this community better. She works for a nonprofit, Wyandot Community Connections that also cares for The Hub which is an after school program. She has the local dress pantry, costume pantry, sports pantry, and takes collections up for all sorts of things. She works hand in hand with many of the local organizations to help with programs and even hosts major events like art in the park and the youth program during the farmers markets every week. Without her, more than 200 kids wouldn't have costumes this year, the kids wouldn't have a safe, fun place to go after school. She is all about helping the community make everything better!
There is a wonderful lady here in Upper Sandusky who makes this community better. She works for a nonprofit, Wyandot Community Connections that also cares for The Hub which is an after school program. She has the local dress pantry, costume pantry, sports pantry, and takes collections up for all sorts of things. She works hand in hand with many of the local organizations to help with programs and even hosts major events like art in the park and the youth program during the farmers markets every week. Without her, more than 200 kids wouldn't have costumes this year, the kids wouldn't have a safe, fun place to go after school. She is all about helping the community make everything better!
Jill WarrenBlanchard Valley Medical Associates
Jill has been a nurse for over 20 years. She worked every day throughout the pandemic. She has also been a nurse for 4-H Camp Ohio.
Jill has been a nurse for over 20 years. She worked every day throughout the pandemic. She has also been a nurse for 4-H Camp Ohio.
Jon KearBlanchard Valley
Jon was a Medic/EMT for a long time and worked at many different stations including Hanco
Jon was a Medic/EMT for a long time and worked at many different stations including Hanco
Kelsie LawrenceHanco EMS
Kelsie has worked for Hanco EMS for over 11 years. She is a Paramedic, EMS Instructor, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and runs the "Safe at Home" Program here in Hancock County. She is a very hard worker, but when she is not working, she loves spending time with her family gardening, hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
Kelsie has worked for Hanco EMS for over 11 years. She is a Paramedic, EMS Instructor, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and runs the "Safe at Home" Program here in Hancock County. She is a very hard worker, but when she is not working, she loves spending time with her family gardening, hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
Kristine ClouseNBS Joint District Volunteer EMS
Kristine works as a nurse and also volunteers to run on the volunteer EMS with every free second of her time. She sacrifices going to her kids ball games, and many other things to save our community families.
Kristine works as a nurse and also volunteers to run on the volunteer EMS with every free second of her time. She sacrifices going to her kids ball games, and many other things to save our community families.
Matt CrouchHancock County Sheriff's Office
Matt has 17 years in law enforcement with the last 10 plus years as a Deputy with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Matt has been the School Resource Officer for Van Buren Local Schools for the past 5 years. He is also an instructor for A.L.I.C.E (active shooter training), an Advisor for both Y.I.E.L.D and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Exploring Group. He is also very active with Camp 9-1-1. He loves his position as SRO serving the students and staff at Van Buren. He also coaches Van Buren Youth Baseball.
Matt has 17 years in law enforcement with the last 10 plus years as a Deputy with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Matt has been the School Resource Officer for Van Buren Local Schools for the past 5 years. He is also an instructor for A.L.I.C.E (active shooter training), an Advisor for both Y.I.E.L.D and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Exploring Group. He is also very active with Camp 9-1-1. He loves his position as SRO serving the students and staff at Van Buren. He also coaches Van Buren Youth Baseball.
Matt WaltersBlanchard Township Fire Department
Always helping others no matter what.
Always helping others no matter what.
PJ RupprightMt. Cory Volunteer Fire Department
He owns his own business and also a captain on the fire department. He puts his life on the line every time there’s an accident, or fire.
He owns his own business and also a captain on the fire department. He puts his life on the line every time there’s an accident, or fire.
Seth LortzHanco EMS
We are so proud of him for becoming a paramedic after high school and college. Seth had to deal with major losses of family at a very young age and spent most of his time at his grandparents. The fact he kept going and remained persistent and showed strong faith is a remarkable accomplishment. He loves being a paramedic and loves helping people along with serving our great local communities of Findlay and McComb.
We are so proud of him for becoming a paramedic after high school and college. Seth had to deal with major losses of family at a very young age and spent most of his time at his grandparents. The fact he kept going and remained persistent and showed strong faith is a remarkable accomplishment. He loves being a paramedic and loves helping people along with serving our great local communities of Findlay and McComb.
Shane VanceOttawa Police Department
Shane has been with Ottawa PD for 9 years, and in law enforcement for 10 years. Through hard work and dedication, he is the lieutenant for Ottawa PD. Shane is an army veteran and also volunteers for Ottawa Fire Department. Shane has a big heart, loves to help. Shane has a way with making people laugh, and enjoys spending time with his family, his girlfriend and friends.
Shane has been with Ottawa PD for 9 years, and in law enforcement for 10 years. Through hard work and dedication, he is the lieutenant for Ottawa PD. Shane is an army veteran and also volunteers for Ottawa Fire Department. Shane has a big heart, loves to help. Shane has a way with making people laugh, and enjoys spending time with his family, his girlfriend and friends.
Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire DistrictThese individuals are all very dedicated to their thankless job. If it weren't for all of them, we wouldn't have a joint fire district. We are forever grateful and appreciate their hard work and dedication every time they answer those calls. Thank you to everyone for all of their dedication and commitment to the district and the communities!!
Spaeth FamilySHJFD, Hanco and Kenton Fire Department
Six family members that are all members of the Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District. James also works for Hanco and Brent works for Kenton Fire Department and Hanco. Mark, Bob and James are brother-in-laws and Brent , Jamey and Jacob are their sons. Pictures from left to right are Bob Warren, James Miles, Mark Spaeth, Brent Warren, Jamey Miles and Jacob Miles.
Six family members that are all members of the Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District. James also works for Hanco and Brent works for Kenton Fire Department and Hanco. Mark, Bob and James are brother-in-laws and Brent , Jamey and Jacob are their sons. Pictures from left to right are Bob Warren, James Miles, Mark Spaeth, Brent Warren, Jamey Miles and Jacob Miles.
Susan EcholsPhysicians Plus
Sue works 12 hr shifts and more if needed. She's a supervisor to her team and handles every situation with compassion, should be retired but loves her job that much.
Sue works 12 hr shifts and more if needed. She's a supervisor to her team and handles every situation with compassion, should be retired but loves her job that much.
Suzanne ShortFamily Resource Center
Suzanne has played such an important role in a lot of members of the care of many people in the community. She is a hard working, compassionate, dedicated, case manager for many of the communities members that suffer with mental health diagnosis and substance use recovery. She leads a team of case managers, and peer support. She always makes sure the team is doing ok and things are going well with many, many clients.
Suzanne has played such an important role in a lot of members of the care of many people in the community. She is a hard working, compassionate, dedicated, case manager for many of the communities members that suffer with mental health diagnosis and substance use recovery. She leads a team of case managers, and peer support. She always makes sure the team is doing ok and things are going well with many, many clients.
TJ BrooksHancock County Sheriff's Department/ Deputy
TJ always goes above and beyond at his job. He absolutely loves being a Deputy. His passion for his job just becomes stronger and stronger everyday. He enjoys helping the public in any way, shape, or form. Always willing to work over when asked and will even go into work on his days off if needed.
TJ always goes above and beyond at his job. He absolutely loves being a Deputy. His passion for his job just becomes stronger and stronger everyday. He enjoys helping the public in any way, shape, or form. Always willing to work over when asked and will even go into work on his days off if needed.
Travis BohnFindlay Fire Department
Travis is one of the most selfless people when it comes to helping others. Not only is he a Findlay firefighter, he is also very active on the Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department. He is always so willing to help someone out in need. He truly devotes his life to caring for and serving his community. He is a husband to his high school sweetheart, Jenna, and they have an amazing 1 year old son, Wyatt.
Travis is one of the most selfless people when it comes to helping others. Not only is he a Findlay firefighter, he is also very active on the Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department. He is always so willing to help someone out in need. He truly devotes his life to caring for and serving his community. He is a husband to his high school sweetheart, Jenna, and they have an amazing 1 year old son, Wyatt.
Troy GillespieBraun Ambulances
Troy has been an active volunteer fireman for the Leipsic Fire Department for close to 30 years. He has served many positions over the years on the department, including Assistant Chief and President of the Leipsic Fire Department Association, a position that he currently serves. Troy is one of the most dedicated and giving people that I know. He has, and currently still does VOLUNTEER many, many hours to help his community and people in need.
Troy has been an active volunteer fireman for the Leipsic Fire Department for close to 30 years. He has served many positions over the years on the department, including Assistant Chief and President of the Leipsic Fire Department Association, a position that he currently serves. Troy is one of the most dedicated and giving people that I know. He has, and currently still does VOLUNTEER many, many hours to help his community and people in need.