The “Guardians of THE LAND,” deliver safety for the people. Service without expectation and an extraordinary commitment to our community.
Click Below To Meet This Month’s Guardians of THE LAND
Meet Lieutenant Sean Hodges, a 28 year veteran of Cleveland Division of Fire, who still enjoys the basics of his job . “Making sure the public as well as my suppression team members are safe through strict code enforcement.”
Sean’s tenure with the Division of Fire has many memorable moments but the intensity of his first house fire and saving someone’s life whom he rescued from that fire still stands firmly in his mind.
When not saving lives, Sean spends most of his free time with his youngest son and all of his activities. He also mentors youth in the community when time allows.
Introducing Crystal Lewis , now approaching 5 years as a Cleveland Peace Officer. During her relatively brief tenure she’s been assigned to the Police Academy Unit, served as a Honor Guard and also was called to work as an Peace Officer at Quicken Loans during the RNC and also to Washington for the Presidential Inaugaration. She mentions working with and getting to know fallen officer, David Fahey , and seeing so many officers turn out for his funeral that made her realize what a blessing police work can be.
In her spare time, Crystal loves to find explore new restaurants and outdoor recreational activities with her friends and family. She’s a huge community activist who enjoys educating and engaging with people, especially children. “ Kids need to know not to be afraid of police and first responders. We also need the children growing up to be engaged and want to become Police Officer’s, Firefighters, EMT’s one day. They are our future!” Focus, Strength and love are the three words that Crystal says sum up who she is.
Next up is Sam Wilson who’s a paramedic for the City of Cleveland at Fire Station 30 on a night shift key. Sam’s been a paramedic for 9.5 years and a Field Training Officer for about five. Sam reports that the best part of his job is his “office” – the back of an ambulance. “Where else can you meet people from all walks of life and have a positive effect on them?”
Sam’s most memorable moment was when a woman for whom he transported her husband, recognized him in the grocery store. She was with her family and called out to him by name, although he didn’t recognize her. She then came up and shared that even though her husband had passed a few months after the transport, she was thankful for Sam and his partner’s work that enabled her husband to stabilize and have time to say good bye to his family. She and her family surrounded him with hugs/thanks and praise for his good work.
Young Mr. Wilson admits he’s a big kid at heart with plenty of “juice in the tank” to play basketball and work out, play PS4 and shoe shop for new Nikes. Hanging out with family & friends along with admitted junk food indulgences (Doritos a food group?) give Sam’s life balance.