VIDEO: Two Grand Rapids firefighters are being credited for finding a case of human trafficking while attending a conference in Traverse City.
Battalion Chief Ed Brayman and Equipment Operator Nate Bazen were at an EMS instructor conference in March when they saw a woman who needed their help.
“It was much like today. Kind of cold, snowy out and she had a very light jacket, spring jacket on. Kind of in the corner of the front entrance of the hotel. Duct tape on her shoes,” Bazen said.
They did not immediately suspect human trafficking but quickly came to that conclusion after speaking with the woman, who was hesitant to talk.
“We just let her know that we were Grand Rapids firefighters, that she didn’t have anything to worry about, that if somebody needed help, we’re there to help,” Brayman said.