Hero Firefigher, Paramedic Carries On Family's Legacy Of Service

JOLIET, IL — Illinois’s first responders work tirelessly to protect and serve their communities. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who go the extra mile. </p>

This submission comes from Joliet Fire Department who nominated Brian Hertzmann of Joliet.

If you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series!

What is the hero’s name?

Brian Hertzmann

How do you know the first responder?

Co-worker. He is my employment partner.

Tell us about the first responder and how they serve the community.

Brian Hertzmann comes from a family of first responders and a family of individuals who serve their community. He became a firefighter/paramedic over 30 years ago. He began his career as a contracted firefighter/paramedic for the Troy Fire District and the Channahon Fire Protection District. He was employed with the East Joliet Fire Protection District for 5 years. He began his career with the Joliet Fire Department in April 2001. Brian Hertzmann holds the title of apparatus operator paramedic, but more importantly, he currently holds the title of the first community paramedic at the Joliet Fire Department. He entered the role of community paramedic in November of 2023 and has not only excelled in the role but has paved the path for future community paramedics and future community paramedicine programs.

Brian Hertzmann's role as the Joliet Fire Department community paramedic consists of various tasks and responsibilities. The primary responsibility of the community paramedic is to ensure that when a client is discharged from the hospital, they are set up with all the necessary services they need to reduce hospital visits. Brian Hertzmann conducts home visits, where he completes tasks ranging from checking vitals, educating them about medication management, conducting home safety surveys, and advocating for their needs with medical providers and social service agencies. His primary goal is to ensure the medical well-being of the residents of the City of Joliet.

A secondary role that Brian Hertzmann has is engaging with some of the most vulnerable residents of the City of Joliet. Many of his patients do not have access to the valuable resources that they need in order to live a healthy life. He ensures that all of their needs are met, such as finding transportation to medical appointments. He has established numerous relationships with social service agencies and has earned their respect by showing how much he cares for the residents of the City of Joliet.

In 2024, Brian Hertzmann was chosen as the 2024 Exchange Club Joliet Firefighter of the Year. Brian Hertzmann has been recognized by many in the fire service as a first responder who sets the example for others to follow.

What three words best describe the first responder?

Dedicated, hard-working, knowledgeable

We’re fortunate in Illinois to have first responders like Brian Hertzmann working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a local hero to be featured on Patch.

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