CBS 12's Extraordinary People: Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County

Story By: Michele Wright / CBS 12 News

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. -- Above and beyond the call of duty. The brave men and women of the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach County put their lives on the line every single day. In addition to fighting fires, the fire service also provides emergency medical assistance to the community. That means every firefighter is trained as a paramedic.

Captain John Fischer represents more than seven Palm Beach County departments, with 70 fire stations, and more than 2,000 members. Local 2928 includes Firefighter/Paramedics, Engine Drivers, Rescue Lieutenants, Lieutenants, Captains, District Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, Apparatus Techs, Dispatchers, Inspectors, Investigators and other support personnel. He knew early in life this is what he loved.

Captain John Fischer: When I was six-years-old I wore my first fire helmet...proudly. ((smile. big laugh))

Captain Fischer says he proudly works along side some extraordinary people who not only save lives, but make a difference in our community.

Captain John Fischer: We are proud that we've brought a sense of history and pride to South Florida.

From the Wellington Firefest, to feeding families at Quantum House, toy drives, helping Vietnam vets, cleaning up Palm Beach County, rescuing tiny kittens from a stairwell, they are protecting life and preserving our community.

Drawing thousands, the Delray Beach St. Patrick's Day parade is one of their largest events that has gone international.

Captain John Fischer: The fire service has taken hold of the St. Patrick's Day theme two years in a row now, and has gone from an average 50,000 spectators to well over 100,000 spectators. The communities love it.  Seeing uniformed, disciplined, honorable, tradition-oriented, team working-oriented firefighters marching shoulder to shoulder down the street is something we want children to see. We want that image to project that image for our children so that they grown up with those types of core values of what made this country great.

The professional firefighters tell us that this isn't just a job, it's a passion, it's what they were born to do. Tara Cardoso is the Communications Director. She beams with pride talking about these hometown heroes.

Tara Cardoso: Not only helping the community when their on duty, but they are also a part of the community inside their own neighborhoods, as well as any charitable form that they can be. There is truly is a firefighter family. Men and women in the department will stand up for each other. It's a beautiful thing to see that. This is a great opportunity, for everyone to see what a great job that they do, learn about the parade, see what a great community effort it is. Maybe it will inspire a young kid to be a firefighter paramedic when they grow up.

We salute the all of Palm Beach County's Firefighter Paramedics & Emergency staff who are truly CBS 12's Extraordinary People!

Web: http://www.iaff2928.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pbcfirefighters
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/pbcfirefighters

If you know an extraordinary person or extraordinary people making a positive difference in our community, nominate them via email to Michele Wright in 150 words or less at mwright@cbs12.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. We'd love to spotlight the great work they are doing on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches. CBS 12's EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Firefighter Paramedics of PBC: Above and beyond the call of duty

Friday, February 15 2013, 03:25 PM EST