BEAVER SPRINGS — There are few things Tabitha Browne doesn’t enjoy trying out or getting involved in, whether it deals with school work or community service.

But when the 17-year-old Midd-West High School junior took an interest in volunteering with the Beaver Springs Fire Department last year, her commitment went to another level.

“Knowing you’re helping someone who is in real trouble is such a great feeling, especially when you work together a team and everything works out,” said Browne, of Beaver Springs, who took her volunteer effort another step by becoming a certified emergency medical technician. “Becoming an EMT was very enlightening. It gave me more knowledge about the emergency services and a greater appreciation for what the volunteers do for the community.”

Tabitha takes her certification seriously and even carries an emergency alert pager with her during school.

“I feel obligated, because it’s a part of me,” Browne said. “When it goes off, everybody in school gets curious and wants to know what’s going on.”

So far, Browne has responded to roughly 45 calls as an EMT. At 17, she is still a junior member of the fire department and can’t actively fight fires or help with accident rescues.

However, she can actively respond as an EMT and that is just as rewarding, Browne said.

“One of my first calls was for an (all-terrain vehicle) accident, which made my heart pound and hands shake,” said Browne, who actually serves on-call twice a week even during the school year. “A lot goes through your mind on your way to a scene. You immediately think back to your training and go through all the steps you need to do once you get there. It quickly becomes routine.”

In school, Browne has taken a strong interest in German, along with a passion for biology. Her interest in the foreign language has grown into a passion for the country’s popular music, including the group “Oomph!”

Browne admits she even catches herself singing some of their songs while walking in the hallway.

“While I don’t understand a lot of the words, I can put some connection together,” Browne said. “I can sing the songs in German now. Unfortunately, my friends will catch me singing a few.”

-- E-mail comments to jnorth@dailyitem.com.

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About Tabitha Browne