DELAWARE — There were almost no open seats in the Delaware County Commissioner’s meeting chambers on July 9.
That’s because they were filled by Delaware County EMS paramedics, EMTs, captains and chiefs to give Lieutenant Brad Fischer a proper retirement recognition.
Fischer served with Delaware County EMS for more than 31 years, starting as an EMT, to becoming certified as a paramedic, to becoming a lieutenant.
“He has mentored many, many new individuals within this department. I can’t begin to even calculate the amount of lives he’s touched,” Chief Jeff Fishel said.
Fischer started his career training at the Columbus Fire Department before working for Concord EMS, then Liberty Township.
He found his EMS home in Delaware County when he was hired April 17, 1995.
In total, his career spans 36 years of service throughout the county.
Fischer finished his career stationed at EMS Station 8 near Ostrander. He answered three calls on his last day.
“Brad, I’m going to really miss having you in the department. Your experience, your time, your tenure — there’s a wealth of knowledge that’s retiring with you,” Fishel said.
The Delaware County EMS team presented Fischer with the American flag that flew over his station. The commissioners also presented Fischer with a proclamation recognizing his years of service.
“Retirement is a new adventure for me. I am very happy to be a part of this administration. There’s been a lot of changes throughout the years, and it’s all been for the positive,” Fischer told the crowd.
Fischer reflects on his career
Fischer was inspired to become a paramedic because his father worked for the Columbus Fire Department, and he went on runs with him.
His father was the one who convinced him to become an EMT.
His advice to young people interested in pursuing an EMS career? Know what you’re getting into.
“It’s tough on a family because of the amount of hours they have to work. It involves a lot more hours than the normal 40-hour work week,” Fischer said.
“It’s a sad aspect of it but it is true; it requires a lot of time. People don’t have any idea how much the time that requires, but it’s definitely been beneficial,” he said.
He fondly remembers one of his first runs while he was still training where he was called to help someone who was indirectly struck by lightning.
“We were able to bring that guy back to life,” he said. “We go on a lot of runs, but you help people who are in dire need. I think that’s the most rewarding part of it.”
Eventually, Fischer went from trainee to trainer. He estimates he trained 75 people under his leadership.
He’s watched them climb the ranks just like he did.
Fischer plans to spend his retirement catching up on family time with his wife and daughter, and eventually traveling more once he’s settled into his retirement routine.
