Local Hero: First-Responder Stidwell Quietly Makes Life Better In ATL

ATLANTA, GA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Shirley Anne Smith, who nominated Capt. Monterio Stidwell.

Local hero’s full name

Capt. Monterio Stidwell

Local hero’s home state

Georgia

Local hero’s Patch

Atlanta

How do you know the local hero?

Capt. Stidwell is a City of Atlanta firefighter. I am the executive director of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, and we raise critical funds for the 1,100 men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the 36 Atlanta Fire Rescue stations.

What does the local hero do?

He is a captain with Atlanta Fire and is assigned to Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 10, which is located in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Capt. Stidwell has been a full-time firefighter with the City of Atlanta for more than 22 years. Aside from his obvious values and characteristics as a firefighter and EMT, his leadership and resilience is unfaltering under all circumstances, whether it's out on a call or at the station. Capt. Stidwell honors his commitment to create other leaders and in his own words, "to make it a priority that my people know what I know and more." He pays forward what other captains he worked for taught him. Heroism can be recognized in many ways. As a firefighter, Capt. Stidwell is a hero in his actions -putting out fires and saving lives - and also through leading others to rise through the ranks in support of public safety.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Capt. Stidwell says the highlight of his 22-year career as a firefighter - what he is most proud of and what he considers his greatest accomplishment - is the fact that he's delivered a total of five babies on the scene of calls. Bringing life into the world is an "amazing and joyous" experience.

Thank you for all you do, Capt. Monterio Stidwell!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.