Plant City Fire Department Firefighter of the Year - Fire Medic William Saunders

Fire Medic Saunders began his career with Plant City in February 2003 as a Firefighter-EMT and continued his education becoming a Paramedic in 2009.

Earlier this year Fire Medic Saunders responded to what seemed to be a routine medical call, the response reference “unknown medical, flu-like symptoms” in no way indicated that there may be any hazards present. As the crew arrived on scene and began their assessment, Fire Medic Saunders moved towards the patient’s head in order to interview and assess his patient. It was at this point that it became apparent the man was armed with a pistol beneath the covers of his bed and intent on injuring one of the responders. Given that he was the only responder in close enough proximity to act on the threat, Fire Medic Saunders held the patient’s hand pointing the gun in a direction away from all of the other responders until he could persuade the man to release the weapon. Once the man was disarmed, Fire Medic Saunders continued the process of caring for his patient, assessing him, calming and stabilizing him, and providing transportation.

While it was not certain what the true intent of the man was there can be little doubt that Fire Medic Saunders’ quick reaction to the threat averted potential harm to himself and the other responders on the scene as well as to his patient.