Making a difference: Firefighter Dalton Wilson

Dalton Wilson spent his junior and senior years of high school at EHOVE Career Center in Milan where he became interested in firefighting and EMT training. Not only did he enjoy those two years, he said, “I was encouraged to make a career of it.”

After studying to earn necessary certifications as a firefighter and paramedic, he worked part-time at two Erie County fire departments before being hired a little more than a year ago by the City of Sheffield Lake.

When a mutual assistance call was received to support Sheffield Village firefighters battling a house fire on December 17, Wilson was one of three who responded. He worked as pump operator on site. He explained that means he was responsible for ensuring a constant water supply to put down the flames.

He was also called upon to provide life saving resuscitation to two victims his Sheffield Lake teammates, Dan Forror and Kaile Bauhof, rescued from the burning building. Wilson’s efforts which included providing advanced care to one of the victims whom he accompanied in an ambulance to the hspital helped to ensure that the victim survived while enroute.

The Vermilion resident was awarded the department’s Medal of Gallantry for his actions on that day. At award ceremonies during a city council meeting, Chief David Novak said about him, “This is a big night for a rookie firefighter. Dalton was the pump operator, and I am proud of his efforts.”