10/30/2026
It's the day after First Responder Appreciation Day. I am still so grateful to you all for what you do each and every day. I had the pleasure of meeting MaryAnn Koval last night, who shared with me the story of her husband George Koval. MaryAnn told me about how George and another determined Mason man became trained as EMTs when they saw the need in their area back in the 1970's-eventually starting the Mason Area Ambulance Service. This grit, determination, and dedication to public service is what I still see driving rural first responders today. There are still gaps. The needs are still many. But I am hopeful that rural emergency response will be just fine, because the people behind it are nothing short of incredible.
