Member Spotlight: Ex-Captain Ann Marie Loper

I joined the dept on June 5, 2006. What inspired me to join, is my father in law was being transported to the hospital, and on the way there, the tech, who was Capt Angevine, started talking to me about joining. Hearing about what he sees, and the difference EMS can make, really stayed with me, so I decided to check it out. And the rest is history.

Since becoming a member, one of the most rewarding parts of this job has been seeing the impact we can have right away. Sometimes, by the time we even get to the hospital, the patient already feels better. The gratitude from patients and their families is something I’ll never take for granted.

When I first joined, I was surprised by just how busy the department truly is. People can tell you, but it’s completely different once you’re actually experiencing it firsthand.

One moment that has always stayed with me happened years after a call. A 3-year-old boy came into the firehouse with his dad, and we realized he was a child we transported as a 4-month-old in respiratory distress. Seeing him healthy, and knowing that his family is now part of the Selden family, was incredibly meaningful.

Training has also been a big part of my journey. I’m proud to be an EMT, and I’ve learned so many skills over the years that come together during certain calls. The EMT class was one of my biggest challenges because I’m not a great test taker, but I learned that if you reach out to the right people, they will help pull you through.

Being part of the department has helped me grow personally as well. I’ve become more confident speaking with people, and I’ve learned how to approach someone in need without worrying that I’ll do more harm than good. I’m always excited to keep learning new skills, especially as more advanced care techniques become available at the basic level.

Teamwork means everything to me. During an emergency, all differences have to be put aside. We work together to get the job done, and it takes everyone, from the membership to the officers, chiefs, and commissioners, to make the department run the way it does.

Outside of the firehouse, I work for SCWA and have been there for almost 26 years. I truly love what I do, especially working with people, figuring out what needs to be done, and helping resolve problems. When I’m not working or responding, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and I love to travel and see new places.

At the end of the day, being a member of the Selden Fire Department means being part of a family. I get to be there for someone during one of the hardest times in their life, and hopefully make it a little better.

In my time as a member I have come to make lifelong friends who I now consider family and I would not change it for the world.