South Kitsap Fire and Rescue has asked community members to share their stories about how EMS made a difference in their lives. Here’s one from Stephanie Kono of Port Orchard, Wash.

“For me, EMS is more than a service. It’s about the caring people who provide it. When my father was shot, paramedics arrived fast and rushed him to a helicopter for the flight to a trauma center. Our family was so moved to see them again at his funeral. It was clear they cared about our family, and that made a difference to us during a very sad time.”