Finding people willing to work as emergency responders is getting to be a tough task.
A lack of trained paramedics and emergency medical technicians stresses emergency networks in Aberdeen and surrounding rural areas, said Keith Sharisky with Aberdeen Fire & Rescue. That's why the department is striving to become a paramedic education center that provides new training programs.
Sharisky, a 22-year paramedic, was made the department's director of training a few months ago. It is a new position created for 2018. With the promotion, he was tasked with a long-term goal of getting a paramedic education center established.
On June 20 in his office at the downtown Aberdeen fire station, Sharisky answered a phone call. A woman left her information to register for a new emergency medical technician course. Sharisky saw it as good sign.