“There is no ‘half in’ when it comes to being a first responder. It’s all or nothing.”
Modern-day superheroes, heaven-sents, or saviors, however you choose to identify them, first responders in Hobart, like Assistant Fire Chief and Public Information Officer John Reitz, are committed to the city and its residents like no other.
“When I think of someone as a first responder, the first thought that comes to my mind are faithful, dedicated individuals to public service,” Reitz said.
Hobart’s fire, police, and EMTs continuously protect residents for the betterment of the community. Reitz says the public is always his first thought of the workday.
“No one got into this job to be rich, we got into it to take care of the public,” he said.
When it comes to the job, Reitz says the dearest part is being able to bring calmness to the chaos and hearing the slightest sigh of relief from the resident in danger. Comforting those who are going through pain is one of a first responder’s most important responsibility.
“Residents don’t call us on a good day. We don't get invited to weddings or birthday parties or baby showers. We get called on people’s worst days...when they’re having a heart attack or there is a fire in their home,” he said.
Hobart’s departments try to make those tough days easier by working in conjunction to provide the best care for those who need it most. Even with a twinkle of hope in his eyes, Reitz still thinks about the misfortune residents experience on days they have to call 911.
“I think about how long they will be displaced or out of their own home, and that’s terrible. Let alone the fact that they could be injured, or someone could be unconscious.”
Through all the adversity, Hobart’s first responders have come together as one unit to serve the community, especially during the height of the pandemic.
“We heard the news, we read statistics, and we tried to prepare the best we could, but everyone came together as a team,” he said. “We knew we were facing an uncertain future.”
Reitz says he was impressed to see how the entire team worked to push through one of the darkest times in Hobart. He also applauds Hobart residents for their cooperation because it made their job much easier.
“They stayed home when they were supposed to, washed their hands, wore their masks when they went out, used hand sanitizer. All the precautions we asked them to take, they did take,” said.
As regulations around the pandemic fluctuate, Reitz still wants residents of the city that first responders are still supporting the community and will be there for each and every car accident, house fire, or injury.
“We care about the Hobart community, no matter what. No matter where we are, our hearts are always in Hobart,” he said.
To learn more about each of Hobart’s first responder departments and how they are providing for the city, visit https://www.cityofhobart.org/103/Departments.
