Goodyear residents Larry Matney and David Linth have a much-needed skill. When the Goodyear Fire Department came across residents in need of that skill, it didn’t hesitate to reach out to both men.

As part of the city’s Community Paramedicine Program, Goodyear Fire met with elderly residents who called 9-1-1 after suffering falls in their homes. After discussing how Goodyear could best meet their needs, Goodyear firefighter and paramedic Mario Santos knew what needed to be done.

“I reached out to a contact I have in PebbleCreek, and that led us to the wood carvers group and approach them and see if this is something they could assist us in doing for our clients. We ended up getting a great response back,” Santos said.

After talking with Santos, the wood carving president reached out to members Matney and Linth, who were happy to take on the task of creating wheelchair ramps in the residents’ homes.

With lumber prices rising sharply, they were able to acquire lumber for the ramps from generous local builders at no cost. They installed a total of six ramps – three for each resident – in locations where residents most needed them inside and outside their homes. Each project took about two weeks.

“We’ve got a skill. We’ve got a capability. Those folks don’t have that capability,” Matney said. “It was something that was easy for me to do, and they needed the help. Being able to help others is something I enjoy.”

Santos and the residents are grateful for the help – and he is, too.

“To me, they’re our heroes,” Santos said. “The clients are happy. It provides them with movement in their home, and independence.”

The public-private partnership is another example of what the Community Paramedicine Program is designed to do: allow the Goodyear Fire Department to meet the needs of residents who need additional help from time to time by connecting them with those who can provide that help.

“We want to be able to give people resources and find community members willing to help – in this case, building ramps,” Santos said. “I think this is a great start of a partnership, and this shows really the pride that Goodyear residents have for each other.”