Last year’s Volunteer of the Year was Spring Grove Fire Chief Trent Turner.
This year, we have another firefighter worthy of this community award.
Paul Corcoran.
When it comes to emergency response, Paul is the one you want on the scene.
He’s a seasoned veteran, serving in both realms of fire department and ambulance service.
Paul joined the Rushford Fire Department in 1986 at the age of 24. It’s been 38 years since he made that commitment, and he’s been in service ever since.
Over the course of his service to the RFD, he has served as the fire chief (2012 to 2016) and assistant fire chief. He also serves as the treasurer of the fire department’s relief association.
In 1991, he joined the Rushford Ambulance crew as a first responder for 1-1/2 years. He later joined the crew as a full EMT in 1993.
Between both commitments, he’s quite busy. He said the Rushford Fire Department handles around 50 calls per years, while the ambulance service responds to roughly 300 calls per year.
His volunteerism doesn’t stop at a local level.
He has served as the executive director of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association for the past eight to 10 years.
When asked what makes him want to volunteer for both of these organizations, he said, “I like helping people when they are in need.” He also enjoys the camaraderie.
The Rushford Fire Department coordinates two important fundraising events each year, a pancake breakfast and a gun raffle.
His long-standing volunteerism has apparently inspired his son Nicholas to join the RFD as a firefighter and the ambulance crew as a driver.
When talking about the need for volunteers, Paul said their fire department is in good shape. They can have a maximum of 30 members, and they are currently at 29.
But, the Rushford Ambulance service could use some more volunteers. They currently have 20 on the ambulance crew. There are two drivers, eight EMTs, and 10 EMRs. He said that 30 volunteers would be a nice number.
His nominator, Gary Elliott, said that Paul “always does more than expected of his duties, above and beyond. He will help anyone even if he isn’t on call. He’s a genuine all around good human being.
“He is so caring of everyone in the community. He is everyone’s friend,” continued Elliott. He is an “awesome human being,” is how he was described.
In addition to receiving this award from Journal readers, Paul was recently presented with the Everyday Hero award from the Rushford Lions Club.
When presented with the award, Rushford Lions Club member Shannon Meier shared how this was shared with Paul. ‘The everyday hero award is an award dedicated to a member of the community who is willing to help in any situation at any time. We are proud to give this award to Paul Corcoran this year. The everyday hero award is almost not enough of a title for him. Paul is an every hour hero. Paul has dedicated his life to his community. For 37 years he has been a volunteer Rushford fireman and for 32 years a volunteer EMT on the Rushford Ambulance. And that’s just what’s on paper. We’ve seen him announcing sports games, preaching some Sunday mornings and all of this is on top of his daily career. Our community is incredibly grateful and thankful for his service and the humble way he presents himself. Without Paul, the Rushford-Peterson community would lack committed leadership and dedicated service.’
And, when he’s not volunteering his time, he is spending time with his family. Paul has been married to his wife Lorrie for nine years. He has four children – Shannon, Nicholas, Shelby and Nathan – along with two stepsons, Levi and Reo.
Each year, the Volunteer of the Year can choose to have a $250 donation, sponsored by the Fillmore County Journal, made in their honor to an organization of their choice. Paul requested this donation be made to the Rushford Fire Department.
To say that Paul Corcoran is dedicated to his fellow firefighters, ambulance crew, and his community is an understatement. His volunteerism does not go unnoticed.
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