We went to Salt Lake again, but before we went I did a bit of sleuthing and found out who my rescuers really were. It begins with the Iron County Ambulance and includes the Paragonah/Parowan
Volunteer Fire Department.
The chief EMT there is Mike Barton, who carries a pager and is on call, even on Sunday morning. They say it is not unusual to see a group of men get up from their seats and leave church to go help folks who have been in an accident such as mine. They, along with other members of the community who give so freely of their time and talents to go out and save lives, no matter the weather, the time, or the inconvenience, are unsung heroes for many. That stretch of highway, Buckhorn Pass, is notorious for accidents because of the long, unbroken scene of countryside that is almost mesmerizing.
They have seen it many times and they come prepared to do whatever it takes to pull people from a wrecked vehicle, retrieve their belongings - even helping to clean them up, and then send them on their way, often never knowing if they live or die. But these men and women do indeed make a huge difference in the lives of those they assist.
My heart is full and will forever have a soft place for the citizens of Iron County. It's a beautiful area of the world, with smalltown community; where everyone knows everyone, and they genuinely care about one another, even those who, like me, are just passers-by.
