Everyday Heroes (Part 2): Patch Honors Oak Forest Paramedics and EMTs

Lieutenant Steve Rada smirks when his "special delivery" comes to mind—the time he delivered a baby with his own two hands.

The 31-year firefighter/paramedic isn't afraid to admit that some of the hardest calls come later in the lives of little ones, when maybe, there's just nothing he or anyone else can do.

"You get through it," he said, and then he bounces back to being happy doing what he loves.

The Oak Forest Fire Department's 24 full-time firefighters/paramedics, two paramedic chiefs, 10 part-time firefighters/paramedics and seven part-time firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians start at 7:30 a.m. They're on shift for 24 hours, then they're off for 48. They routinely miss birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special occasions, as they respond to 3,000 calls each year. They are there for residents, when no one else is.

During the week of May 15–21, communities nationwide are recognizing those who provide emergency medical services–and Patch wants to do our part.  Each day, we'll be profiling individual members of Oak Forest's life-saving force. Today we feature Lt. Rada.

Take some time and get to know the faces behind the fire department. You are the reason they do their job—and you matter to them.

National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line," according to the EMS Week website.

Don't miss the , featuring Matt Tinberg.