Firefighters and EMS personnel respond to car accidents without a second thought. In an instant the victims in that car become the most important thing to every person on that rescue until they are stabilized and at the hospital. Yet, we often don’t know their names or who they really are. As quickly as they come into our lives, they are gone. We often think about those people but rarely know what their ultimate outcome is. In other words, we see the tragedy, but can only hope for recovery. We wouldn’t be human if this didn’t bother us and make us wonder why we come back. When the cold air bites a little harder or the rain is unrelenting, it would be easy for anyone to wonder why we do this.

On October 5, 2015 Corey Beattie gave us that answer. Five years after being involved in a serious car accident in which she sustained significant traumatic injuries, Corey walked into Station 22 to say thank you to the members of the West Grove Fire Company. Corey and her family wanted to show their gratitude to the men and women who, without knowing her, gave everything they had to get her out of that car that night. They expressed the need for us to know that what we did that night mattered for Corey and will matter for any trauma patient.

Accompanied by her mother, they spoke of the days after the accident when doctors did not think she would survive, and when they said she would never walk again. With prayer and hard work, Corey has defied the odds. She is alive and she is walking. She is very busy doing extensive therapy but has returned to work at a local store in West Grove. She is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a chef and promised her first meal will be for the members of West Grove Fire Company.

The story of Corey’s will to live and fight to walk again can only inspire us. Joy for Corey and a sense of pride for our department filled the room that night. Corey does not realize the impact of those two simple words, thank you. What she did Monday night will save lives. The next time there is a crash, it won’t matter if the air is cold or the wind brisk, the members of West Grove Fire will think of Corey and respond in force. We wish Corey and her family continued success in her recovery.

Photos by Todd Mazur