98.1 KHAK First Responder Friday Honors John Leach

Each Friday morning at 6:30 a.m., 98.1 KHAK's Brain & Courtlin pay tribute to an Eastern Iowa first responder. The weekly honoree receives a $25 gift card to Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford and a $25 gift card to Honor and Respect.

Today we are proud to honor John Leach who was nominated by Brenda Leach. The entry reads:

"John is only 22 years old, he started his first responder career as a cadet with the Alburnett Fire Department, he took his EMT his Senior year of high school through the high school program and the minute he turned 18 he was able to become a FULL member. He joined the Center Point Ambulance Service and volunteered there until he was hired on full-time with Area Ambulance. He has gone on to get his Paramedic through Mercy College of Health Sciences, all while working full-time, and continuing his volunteer activities with the Alburnett Fire Department. John has a STRONG volunteer heart as does anyone who is committed to giving up personal time when the pager goes off. I have seen days where he has come home from work, barely gotten a few hours of sleep, and responded to large calls or mutual aid to other departments, only to leave our station with just enough time to shower, take a short nap, and go to work again.

John keeps what is best for the community and all that he is charged with taking care of in the very forefront of his mind. He is committed to bringing the best practices to our volunteer department, working with the equipment we have, and trying to work within the department and city to budget for equipment that will best serve our citizens, and keep his fellow members safe.

I believe that all first responders are cut from a similar cloth. It is a calling to serve in whatever capacity best suits you. John was brought up in an environment of community."

Congratulations John! K-HAWK Country thanks you for your dedication and service to our community!

Our First Responder Friday winners are selected from nominations submitted by you! You can make a nomination below. When including your photo, please keep in mind that any kids in the picture need to be your own. Please let us know if we have parental permission to post the children, otherwise, their faces will be covered when the photo is published on our sites. Thank you for your submissions!