Voices of Service
Community is Key: Shannon Beutler’s Commitment to Serve
by Melissa McPherson
Shannon Beutler finds fulfillment in serving others. As a licensed Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) with the Unadilla Township Fire Department (UTFD), she responds to medical emergencies, accidents, and fires, providing medical assistance to residents, often on the worst days of their lives.
“It’s about letting them know they’re not alone, that we’re doing our very best for them,” she said.
For Beutler, serving in the UTFD is a family affair. Her husband, Allen, and two of their five children also work in the department, but it was her time in the military that really fueled her desire to work for the UTFD. She did two tours, one in Korea and one in Germany.
“I wanted to serve my community like I served my country,” Beutler said.
So when Fire Chief Wendy Hause opened the EMR position, the first of its kind in the area, Beutler jumped at the chance to apply.
The job didn’t come easy. In order to become a medical first responder, Beutler had to put in the work. She completed a 2-1/2 month Medical Responder course at the Henrietta Township Fire Department, which included both written and practical exams, and a national registry test. Instruction came from experienced paramedics, and the training didn’t end with certification. After five years on the job, she continues to take classes.
“It keeps skills sharp,” she explained. Recent trainings have included how to handle a complicated delivery of a newborn on scene.
Of course, the medical training is just one part of the job. It also requires teamwork and the ability to work under pressure. She points out that the department is a team and operates as a well-oiled machine.
“We work together,” she says. Everyone knows their role. She says the most important thing is to stay calm, stay collected, and follow the steps.
When asked about the best and most challenging parts of the job, Beutler said the most rewarding moments come from connecting with people both on a call and at community events. Her ability to show compassion is especially important during the most challenging calls when someone has lost a loved one. She said she is glad to be able to hold someone’s hand and let them know they are not alone, but as a mother, she finds those calls especially difficult and often leans on her faith to get her through.
Her desire to serve and help others makes the UTFD a perfect fit for Beutler. The department is made up of 22 volunteer firefighters and medical responders, all of whom believe a connection with the community is an important part of what they do. The UTFD hosts free CPR and first aid classes and an annual open house. They also participate in local events like the Fourth of July celebration.
According to Chief Hause, “Shannon Butler has been a wonderful addition to our team. She is always eager to learn more to be prepared for any emergencies, and she shows great compassion for patients. We are blessed to have her as part of our fire family.”
Beutler encourages people to reach out if they need help, “We want our community to know we’re here for them, always,” she said.
While she gives much of her time to the UTFD, Beutler is also working toward becoming a teacher. Balancing school, family, and being a first responder is no easy task, and she credits her husband, children, and faith for helping her stay grounded. When she is not responding to calls or attending classes—which she admits take up a lot of her time—walking with her dog Milo and coffee-fueled road trips are her two favorite ways to relax.
For Beutler, serving as an EMR isn’t just about medical skills. it’s about care, compassion, and community. She reflects on the town’s ability to come together in good times and in bad. This sense of being there for one another is why she loves this town and the work that she does.
Residents interested in CPR classes, volunteering, or upcoming events can visit the Unadilla Township Fire Department’s Facebook page at facebook.com/UnadillaTownshipFireDepartment/ or call the station.
