John Searles walked into his interview at the Stamford Fire Department 25 years ago with hope in mind — making a difference in people’s lives.
More than two decades later, the longtime Shelton resident remains satisfied that he made the right choice, especially after a month in which he was instrumental in rescuing a woman pinned under a commuter bus. Then, just a few days later, Searles received a promotion to captain.
“At the end of the day, what we do means something,” said Searles.
Last month, while still a lieutenant, Searles was in charge of keeping the incident “scene safe” after a woman was hit by a Connecticut transit bus at the intersection of Broad and Atlantic streets.
The rescue effort also included a technical rescue response, including two engine companies, a ladder company, and Rescue Co. 1.