EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the sixth in a series of profiles that manninglive.com will be posting each Saturday to highlight our first responders and dispatchers who keep Clarendon County a safe place to live. After each Saturday posting, the piece will appear in the following Thursday’s Manning Times.
A 1994 graduate of East Clarendon High School, Crystal M. Miller grew up in Turbeville and could never consider anywhere other than Clarendon County to be her home. She began her career as a first responder with the Turbeville Rescue Squad and A&A EMS as a basic emergency medical technician.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A FIRST RESPONDER?
A desire to do something challenging and different every day. Once certified as an EMT, I joined the Turbeville Rescue Squad in October 1996, and began responding to calls. Being a first responder challenged me like I'd never been challenge before, and it didn't take long to decide I'd found something I love doing. The feeling you get from helping someone is amazing, and that's what I wanted to feel every day.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BEING A FIRST RESPONDER?
I think being mentally and physically ready to respond can be the most challenging. Every day is a different day; things we see and dal with out there every day can take (their) toll on a person. The challenge can be finding a balance in mental, emotional and physical health.
DESCRIBE A MEMORABLE MOMENT DURING YOUR SERVICE?
Ask anyone that's a first responder, and there will be lots of memorable moments. We often get asked by people, "What's the craziest thing you've ever seen?" Some things you just don't share. I'll answer the question by saying that each time I receive a "Thank you" from someone I've helped in my work/job as a first responder will always go down as a memorable moment. (They are) moments that remind me of why I do what it is I do every day: serve the people of our county.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I'm from the north-end of the county, Turbeville, and consider Clarendon County to be home. I'm surrounded by family and friends. I work hard and play hard! I enjoy my time off, and I love the outdoors. I enjoy riding in my jeep with the top off, kayaking, camping, etc. Social media is the hot spot for learning all about people. Check me out on Facebook!
PREVIOUS SATURDAY SPOTLIGHTS:
EMS Asst. Supervisor Jeremy Evans
Sheriff's Office Victim's Advocate Kim Hill
