New Firefighter Spotlight: Cody Hughes
Fans of the Ellen Show might recognize O’Fallon Fire Protection District firefighter/paramedic Cody Hughes, who appeared on the daytime talk show in 2020. Hughes, who joined OFPD in January 2022, grew up watching his mom work as a 911 dispatcher and knew he wanted to follow her path into the emergency services field. “I have…
New Firefighter Spotlight: Parker Malensky
Public service has been a lifelong goal of firefighter/paramedic Parker Malensky, who grew up watching his brother work in the fire service.
New Firefighter Spotlight: Jared Swafford
Firefighter/paramedic Jared Swafford was raised in the firehouse. The O’Fallon Fire Protection District firehouse, to be precise. “I’ve been wanting to follow in my dad’s footsteps since I was little,” he says. “My dad has been a firefighter for 30ish years now. I have grown up in the firehouse and have known since the first…
New Firefighter Spotlight: Joe Sughero
Like so many in the fire service, firefighter/paramedic Joe Sughero was drawn to the career by the camaraderie and the chance to be there for the community he calls home.
New Firefighter Spotlight: Riley Schmidt
Firefighter/paramedic Riley Schmidt grew up around the fire service and says while he originally went to school for engineering, he’s glad he made the decision to change career paths. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” the Flint Hill native says.
New Firefighter Spotlight: Nick Mensio
Firefighter/paramedic Nick Mensio grew up admiring the first responders at work in his grandmother’s neighborhood.