Buch has served Manawa area for 30 years
By Holly Neumann
The Manawa Rural Ambulance department recognized Faye Buch as the 2017 EMT of the Year.
“This is the fourth time in Faye’s 30 years of service with Manawa that she has been honored to receive this award,” said Tammy Arndt, team manager. “Faye is very dedicated to this community and has helped thousands of residents and visitors that have had the misfortune to utilize an ambulance in their time of need.”
Arndt said Buch is always willing to help and goes above and beyond when her service is needed.
“She dedicates over 2,000 hours a year to this service while maintaining her full-time job,” Arndt said. “She has served several positions over the years as training officer, team manager and just always willing to help someone in need.”
Buch recalled being recruited by co-worker Darla Waite to become an EMT.
“I decided to become an EMT while I was employed at A. Sturm & Sons Inc.,” she said. “I have to admit it took a lot of convincing on Darla’s part because I didn’t know if I would be to handle some of the different kind of calls you could potentially encounter. But at the same time, I thought I could potentially help the people in my own community in a time of need and decided to give it a try. Who would think 30 years later I’m still enjoying why I became an EMT and now an Advanced EMT.”
She said when she is able to help someone in her community, it is a satisfying feeling that helps her grow as a person.
“Every situation you respond to is different, and some situations are more challenging than others. But in the end, it’s so satisfying to know you help make a difference,” she said.
Buch is humbled to receive this award.
“I have always felt that everyone on this service is deserving of this award because we are all a team to help anyone that is in need in our community,” she said. “We are ready 24/7, 365 days of the year and in any weather conditions when responding to a call. It is a very satisfying and a good feeling to be able to part of this Manawa Rural Ambulance Service and work beside a great group of dedicated people.”