Love Inspires Firefighter to Keep Fighting

Without the love of a small town fire department and community, one firefighter may not still be here today. In May of 2011, Scott McDowell fell ill. McDowell somehow contracted a rare and mysterious infection that led to the spread of gangrene to his legs. In order to save his life, doctors had to amputate both legs below his knees. Despite a long journey through recovery and depression, he recovered and adapted to a new life with prosthetic legs. He went back to the fire department and began work as a radio communicator and emergency vehicle operator. He now suits up in bunker gear just as his brothers and sisters do and fights fires alongside his department family.

This possibility could have been lost had it not been for the loving encouragement of a nurse during Scott’s hospital stay. She spent over 30 minutes encouraging and reminding Scott that he must never quit. She ended the conversation by raising up her scrubs and showing him her own prosthetic leg. He is now a sergeant at the Montrose Township Fire Department, because Love Heals!

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