Here's the winner of our SUBMIT YOUR HERO contest -- and the writeup I did that'll go in their personalized copy of Heroes For My Daughter. Tough to be grandma firefighter. Loved every single one that was submitted.
Maryann Frankson
Lifesaver
Born in 1949, Maryann was the first female Emergency Medical Services squad captain in her hometown.
And the first woman who was properly trained as Advanced Life Support personnel in her fire company.
Along the way, she encouraged others, like her firefighting chief and her squad captain, to be trained in Advanced Life Support as well.
As a result, lives were saved.
Many, Maryann saved herself.
In fact, to this day, she helped create many of the laws that emergency medical services in New York State still adhere to.
But of all the lives she touched, the most vital were the ones in her family.
She raised her grandson and granddaughter.
She listened to their problems.
And taught them to give back to their community.
By the time her grandkids were sixteen, she helped them study -- and pass -- their own state certification exams.
Indeed, by encouraging them to join the fire company themselves, she gave the world more heroes and more lifesavers.
No question, they would be Maryann's greatest legacy:
Twin reminders of the power of kindness,
and the true power of a grandmother.
"Don't forget to put on an extra pair of socks so your feet don't get wet when you drain the hoses after your next call."
- Maryann Frankson
"My grandmother is my hero."
- Marie Frankson
