WHO: Kathy A. Naro Barboza, Liberty Street, West Carthage, is a paid paramedic with the Carthage Rescue Squad. She grew up in Altona in Clinton County, graduated from Northern Adirondack Central School, Ellenburg, in 1978 and served in the Army for six years.

SO YOU GOT INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD IN THE ARMY? "Actually, no. I was in Army bands, playing the trumpet. That's how I met my husband, David. He's from New Bedford, Mass. We both played trumpet and we still do, at North Country Fellowship Church."

WERE YOU AT FORT DRUM? "David got assigned to Fort Drum because I wanted to be close to my family, and we settled in West Carthage. We have two sons, Christopher, 24, and Joel, 18.

"So when we moved here, I looked for a job and became a nurse's aide in the former Hallmark nursing home. While there, I became a licensed practical nurse, and I started volunteering with the ambulance squad as a driver. So I've been with them about 14 years, and I was squad chief for one year, in 1998.

"My husband used to be with the squad too. He has been in the EMS field for about 15 years. He is out of the Army and is a store clerk now.

"I took the training for emergency medical technician and continued taking courses at Jefferson Community College to qualify for level two (intermediate) technician, level-three (critical care) technician and then paramedic.

"The squad hired me as a paramedic, and I'm the only paid paramedic on the squad. So besides working my 40-hour week here (with the squad), I am subject to call-in."

ARE THERE ANY EXPERIENCES THAT STAND OUT IN YOUR JOB? "About three years ago, we were called to assist a woman in her early 50s who was in full (cardiac) arrest. We saved her, and she is still here today. But it wasn't just me. There were several of us on the team.

"I have accompanied patients from serious accidents on helicopter flights to Syracuse four or five times. I love flying, and I'll be the first to volunteer.

"I have also made ambulance transports to Pennsylvania, New York City and Washington, D.C."

DO YOU RECOMMEND THIS TYPE OF WORK? "Yes. It can be a rewarding career. You can make a difference, between somebody living and not living. But you have to like helping people. I like helping people, and I liked making a difference. And every day is different. We are always seeing something new."

If you would like to suggest a member of the law enforcement or emergency response communities or a volunteer public servant deserving recognition here, contact reporter Dave Shampine at dshampine@wdt.net.