Grissom Fire Department responds, saves life

Photo By Senior Airman Cali Elliott | The Shupperd family visited Grissom fire station to thank the team for saving their son’s life, May 23. Listed from left to right: Jay Salmons, Tom Carey, Airman 1st Class Andrew Smith, Robert Jacobs holding Waylon Shupperd, Brandon Shupperd, Megan Shupperd and David Perryman holding their youngest son Maverick Shupperd. (Courtesy photo)  

GRISSOM AIR FORCE BASE, INDIANA, UNITED STATES

06.19.2017

Courtesy Story

434th Air Refueling Wing

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- It’s not often first responders get to see the benefits of their work, but that was not the case for a group of firefighters from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana.

Waylon Shupperd, 2, had an opportunity to visit the Grissom Fire Department recently and thank the firefighters who helped save his life during a medical emergency in late spring.

About a week after the incident, Waylon’s father called and said that if it weren’t for John Ireland, fire chief, and his team, things would be a lot different.

“They were absolutely amazing,” said Brandon Shupperd, father. “I want to thank them so much for saving my son’s life. If it hadn’t been for them, Waylon wouldn’t be here today.”

Grissom’s fire department’s professionalism and expertise really stood out to the Shupperd family.

“If every fire department had the professionalism that they did, America would be 10 times safer,” said Shupperd. “They were happy, and you could tell they love and enjoy their job.”

The crew that responded were so thankful and felt rewarded to see the little boy smiling and playing like there was nothing wrong during the visit.

“It’s always an honor and a privilege to be able to help in an emergency situation,” said David Perryman, Grissom Fire Department crew chief. “What we do and what we train for really pays off. We are always ready to put our skills to the test and represent the department in a good light.”

Pediatric calls really hit home, because the majority of Grissom firefighters have kids of their own.

“As soon as I told them about my son’s condition, they were fast, attentative and never left my son’s side,” said Shupperd.

Waylon suffers from Adrenal Hypoplasia, making his adrenal glands non-functional, which affects ability to produce a variety of hormones that regulate many essential functions in his body.

All units in the area were at level zero, meaning no ambulances were in the area, so Grissom Fire Department was dispatched.

“Our guys got on scene first and administered life-saving emergency care and stabilized him until paramedics could respond,” said John Ireland, Grissom Fire Department fire chief.

By the time paramedics arrived, it was determined Waylon would need helicopter transportation due to his critical condition.

“He was in critical condition and needed a helicopter,” said Ireland. “Engine eight helped set up a landing zone for the chopper to come out of Fort Wayne, Indiana and transport him.”

Teamwork was a major key to the success of Waylon’s health.

“The paramedics cannot go unnoticed and need the recognition they deserve,” said Perryman. “Upon arrival they began aggressive treatment, called for an airlift and got him the help he needed after we responded.”

Despite the long hours put into being a part of the fire department, calls such as these make the job all worthwhile, said Perryman.

“It really made me proud of the guys to know they are here and able to get the job done when the tones drop,” said Ireland. “When things like this happen, it really makes them proud of their job, gets morale up and drives home that we’re here for a purpose and we fulfilled that purpose by saving that child’s life.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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• Date Taken: 06.19.2017
• Date Posted: 01.30.2018 11:26
• Story ID: 263872
• Location: GRISSOM AIR FORCE BASE, INDIANA, US