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The Greenhorn Valley View will be doing a series on the employees of the Rye Fire Protection District. Each month the community will be introduced to one of the people who deal with the possibility of life and death situations on a daily basis.

Twenty-four year old Ross Marsh choked up when he was asked about the most negative situation he has faced as an EMT-Fire Fighter. “It was a situation in Kentucky,” he said. “It was the week before Christmas break and this college age woman’s car broke down on I-75 on her way home from school. She got out of the car and tried to cross the highway." His voice breaks. “At least four different cars hit her, and as we tried to save her, her cell phone rang over and over. It was her mom and dad.”

Marsh was on a two-year internship when that incident happened. He was working on his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky in Fire Science. In addition he is a certified EMT who is IV certified, which basically means he can administer IV’s in emergency situations.

Marsh moved to Beulah where he now lives, and began work for the Rye Fire Protection District in August, 2010. The Ohio born native is single and loves his job. “I love coming to work every day. I love the camaraderie of the job. I love the history and traditions of the fire district. I love the brotherhood.”

He lives an active life. His hobbies include hunting, hiking, camping and riding his ATV. He said that several of his favorite places to camp are Devil’s Head Outlook and Guffy Cove off of Route 9.

Marsh also loves the impact he can have on the lives of individuals every time the phone rings. In contrast to his story of the fatality in Kentucky, Marsh beamed when he shared a rescue he was involved in locally in March of this year.

He related how Rye Fire answered a fire call in a building. Unknown to them the occupant had returned to the building. Marsh and his team “pulled a line” and directed water at flames coming out a side window. After knocking down the fire they entered the building. Despite drywall collapsing on them, Marsh noticed a foot. He and his partner worked the person to the door and then resuscitated him all the way to the hospital. By the time they got to the hospital, the person was able to talk.

“He came in and thanked us,” beamed Marsh. “What a feeling to help save someone’s life.”

Marsh and his compatriots work 48 hours on and then have 96 hours off. He and three or four other people stand watch over the valley to respond in emergency. Each emergency dictates what equipment they will need and how to best use the manpower.

When asked if there was anything Marsh didn’t like about his job, he thought for a few moments and replied, “I can’t think of anything. It’s the best job in the world.”

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