PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is celebrating the recognition of paramedic Fred Parsons, who was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from Maine EMS.
“This is such an honor, and I’m grateful for receiving this,” Parsons said. “This is actually my second time receiving this. I also received one in 2010 as well. So, to be a two-time recipient is really an honor!”
Parsons, affectionately known throughout Central Aroostook County as “Fireman Fred”, has worked in emergency medical services since its infancy. He started his journey in 1977, when his friend Tom Soucier took an EMT course, which piqued his interest in the field.
“I took my first course in the fall of 1977. After I took the course, I moved to Presque Isle from Mars Hill, and at the time, there weren’t any ambulance jobs available. So, I became a volunteer firefighter for Presque Isle Fire Department for almost three years before I got a full-time position, and then I stayed there for 26 years. During that time, Keegan’s ambulance came to town in the fall of 1983, and I was able to work for them as well. I worked for them for five years until they swapped over to Crown [what is now Northern Light Medical Transport]; I’ve been here ever since as well, roughly 37 years,” he said.
“Fred is well-known throughout our region and offers a genuine smile and firm handshake to everyone he meets, and maybe a selfie opportunity. He holds a wealth of information and has many stories to share. Some 47 years after serving as an ambulance attendant, Fred is still devoting his life to the care of our community, practicing as a refined medic,” said Travis Norsworthy, manager of the medical transport services at AR Gould. “Rarely do we see such an incredible commitment to the calling and mission. Through his loyal dedication, he has made an indelible mark on our organization and the people we serve. We are so grateful.”
When Parsons isn’t doing transports, he spends his time out in the community either singing at different community events or spending time at nursing homes with residents, whether that is talking with them or singing karaoke with them.
Parsons has such a passionate commitment to helping others that he even donates bone marrow to help a stranger in need.
“Back in 2003, I donated bone marrow to a cancer patient. I did some prerequisite testing and found out I was a match for someone. I then flew to Boston and stayed there for three days while I donated my bone marrow. I was out of work for a month recovering, but I appreciated the support that my fire department and ambulance team gave me, so I was able to do this,” he said.
Parsons has touched the lives of many people over the decades and continues to do so every day. That impact will also continue as he works to instill the importance of work ethic and preparedness – “to get out and get it done and make sure you’re ready to go” – to the next generation of EMS professionals.
