Dagen

Brett Fadgen grew up down the street from a fire company in Shaler. He chose the station’s lot as a frequent meeting place with friends and enjoyed watching firefighters work.

“I couldn’t get enough of being around there,” Fadgen said. “Every kid loves fire trucks, but it’s what those people did that amazed me. I always knew I would have a career where I’d get to help people and make a difference.”

Now a paramedic with Ross/West View Emergency Medical Services, he is doing just that. On Saturday, the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council recognized Fadgen as Paramedic of the Year at its annual conference in Lancaster.

Fadgen, 31, began emergency medical technician training at age 16. He took his first paramedic position in Erie after graduating from college. He took a paramedic’s job with Ross/West View in 2003 and moved back to Shaler.

Janette Kearney, the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council’s executive director, said judges selected Fadgen from more than 20 finalists.

“I take my job very seriously,” Fadgen said. “But I could never have imagined I’d receive an honor like this.”

His application did not mention that he was born without a right forearm and wears a prosthesis, which requires him to perform complicated medical procedures using one hand.

Fadgen said he does not consider it a handicap.

“It made training a lot harder for me, but I do everything that any other paramedic does, and I am good at what I do,” he said. “I’m glad the judges were not made aware, because now I can know I received this award because of ability and not disability.”

Belinda Barnett, who wrote Fadgen’s nomination letter, was one of his trainees.

“He is an extraordinary teacher,” said Barnett, a Ross/West View volunteer emergency medical technician. “He’s also so great at what he does, especially at keeping people calm during their worst moments.”

Fadgen recently accepted a full-time registered nursing position at UPMC Presbyterian in Oakland, but will continue part time with Ross/West View.

“We’re going to miss him in a full-time capacity, but we’re very happy that he’s going to continue to serve here,” Ross/West View Executive Director Bryan Kircher said. “He’s helped a lot of people over the years, and has served as a great mentor and role model.”

Fadgen is a part-time flight paramedic for STAT MedEvac and volunteer firefighter in Shaler.

He credits his family, friends and colleagues with providing motivation and support.

“You have to be able to do your job knowing that whatever happens, you still have to go out later and handle the next call,” Fadgen said. “There are some things we see on a daily basis that a lot of people could not handle, and I’m fortunate to have people who provide me with the strength to do it.”