ANDERSON, Ind. —
Chris Nodine, a paramedic for Anderson Fire Department, doesn’t know who nominated him for paramedic of the year for the state of Indiana, but he believes he knows why.
Nodine, a 12-year veteran of the department, donated one of his kidneys to his wife, Kari, last year.
“It wasn’t necessarily job-related, but I think that’s why I was nominated,” Nodine said.
He took home the award for paramedic of the year at a conference held at Union Station in Indianapolis on Aug. 19. Emergency response officers from across Indiana were in attendance, Nodine said he was “shocked” when his name was called.
The award is named after Frank Gilbert, who died from injuries suffered in the line of duty in 1997.
According to the Indiana Emergency Response Conference’s website, the recipient “should represent the best our industry has to offer.”
Nodine said he talked with a Crown Point fire officer who knew Gilbert personally.
“He said he was a great paramedic for the northern part of the state. ... It’s a great honor to carry on his legacy,” Nodine said.
Fire chief Phil Rogers said Nodine has been an “exemplary employee,” and wished he had more like him. Rogers also said Nodine is a good multitasker, serving not only as paramedic but being part of the hazardous material team and assisting radio dispatch.
In addition to serving the city, Nodine volunteers with the Pendleton Fire Department and is involved with emergency services at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Nodine said he has been privileged to have a job that many people want but few get.
“I give 110 percent when I come into work,” Nodine said.
The day he donated his kidney, Feb. 15, held special significance for Nodine. It was the day after Valentine’s Day and was his and Kari’s one-year anniversary. Five weeks after the operation, Nodine was back to working full time for the department.
Organ donation has since become an important issue for the Nodines.
“The advantage of organ donation for a family who’s lost someone, of course they go through grief, but there’s the reward of knowing they provided health for someone else,” Nodine said.
Nodine said any number of AFD paramedics deserved to win the award. However, he said he is happy to have had the opportunity to represent the department.
Contact Sam Brattain: 640-4883, sam.brattain@heraldbulletin.com
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Anderson Fire Department paramedic Chris Nodine was named paramedic of the year in the state of Indiana. John P. Cleary
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