South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

School administrator lauds professionalism, grace of MFPD paramedics

To the editor:

I have been an educator for the majority of my adult life.

I’m passionate about what I do and I pride myself in keeping my head and heart focused on the things that really matter. At the end of each day, however long it may be and amidst whatever criticisms may come my way, I rest on this notion. I’m sure most who work in the public sector strive to keep this their main focus throughout their careers.

I’ve never been much for politics nor do I subscribe to the paradigms of a specific political party. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Sometimes that puts me in good favor with others and sometimes not so much. While I occasionally may glance at the various local blogs, I give little credence to the majority of their content. Opinions and politics have a way of burying the real heart of any matter. The following is an example of such matters that can be easily lost amidst a political arena.

On Monday, May 11, in the early hours of the morning, I found myself in an unfortunate family situation where I needed to rely on our local 911 service. More specifically, I needed to rely on the paramedics employed by the Mehlville Fire Protection District.

At approximately 4:45 a.m., paramedics John Jones and Jason Rhyne arrived at my house.

While I don’t care to talk about the details surrounding the need for their service, I do want to exalt their professionalism and grace with which they carried out their duties. They were humble, caring and considerate to the needs of my family. They were knowledgeable, comforting, assuring and accommodating. Turning the complete care of a loved one over to total strangers is a difficult task at best. After knowing these gentlemen for a matter of minutes, they had my complete confidence.

Although I do work in the public sector, I am writing this as a citizen who chooses to reside in this community. To John Jones, Jason Rhyne and all the other paramedics and firefighters I don’t know, thank you for your service, thank you for being there and thank you for your dedication to our community. Hold your heads high and know that while public servants may be taken for granted, rest assured your work really matters.

You do make a difference.

Eric Knost

Concord

Editor’s note: Eric Knost serves as deputy superintendent of the Mehlville School District.

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