CSCC EMT Professor and Other Alumni Honored at Cleveland 100

Holly Vincent
Monday, October 15, 2018 12:00 AM
Academics, TBR, Community, Alumni

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Cleveland State Community College has a lot of brag about after the 2018 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet of the Cleveland 100, held on the CSCC campus. Shane Ware, Assistant Professor of CSCC’s EMT program and four other CSCC alumni were honored at the banquet for their heroism in saving a baby’s life.

Ware and other members of the Bradley County Fire and Rescue team were honored in Nashville in May and presented the prestigious Star of Life Award by the Children’s Emergency Care Alliance of Tennessee. This award was given after the team saved the life of Sophie Blankenship, an eight-week premature baby without a pulse or any signs of life. The team administered chest compressions, warmed her body, and cleared her airway until she started breathing on her own. That baby is now a happy, healthy one year old little girl.

“It’s amazing to get this type of accolade for doing a job I love,” stated Ware. “None of us do this for recognition, but it is definitely nice to know that someone appreciates the job we do, as public safety is a very thankless job.”

All four members of the team that were responsible for saving baby Sophie were Cleveland State alumni—Autumn Baker-Tift (CSCC EMS Paramedic program graduate) Drew Ingram (CSCC EMT program graduate), Josh Van Dusen (CSCC Paramedic program graduate) and Bryan Bird (CSCC EMT program graduate).

Ware stated, “It’s great to know that what we do as a community college makes a direct impact on our community! To know that all the training and continually raising the bar pays off once they are in the field. I believe we have one of the best EMS programs in the nation, and watching them save lives in an amazing sight! I am so proud of our graduates, and I continually hear of the great work they are doing.”

“This was indeed an honor for the men and women involved in this lifesaving event,” stated Brenda Lawson, Cleveland 100 President. “But, it is also a reflection of the dedication and professionals we have here in our community.”

Bradley Central High School student Taylor Swallows was also honored at the banquet for saving three people from drowning this year. Taylor plans to go into the medical field after high school. Dr. Bill Seymour, Cleveland State President, presented Taylor with a $1000 scholarship to attend Cleveland State.
 
Ware stated, “I would never consider myself a hero, and I really don’t think any of us do. We do a job we love, and from time to time, it places us in a position to make a difference in someone’s life. We train for these situations, and when they happen, we just do what we know to do!”

Photo cutline: Pictured from left to right: Stan Clark, Deputy Chief, Bradley County EMS, Ware, Autumn Baker-Tift, Bradley County EMS, Kelvin Bishop, Treasurer, Cleveland 100 Foundation, Drew Ingram, Bradley County EMS. Not pictured: Josh Van Dusen, Bradley County EMS and Bryan Bird, Bradley County EMS.