A patient suffered a stroke at home. He was transported to AGH ER by Medical/Rescue Team South, cared for by the ER staff, and move to ICU. Following a CT and neurosurgery consult, it was apparent that he had suffered a brain injury that at best would render him incapable of any sort of quality of life, and at worst would be fatal. Prior to him losing consciousness he made his treatment wishes known-which include no surgical interventions, ventilator, or invasive nutritional support. He realized the gravity of his condition and chose to put himself into God's hands.

He was a Firefighter, a Platoon Chief to be exact. And not just any chief officer, he was the longest-serving firefighter in the department's 103-year history with 55 years of continuous service. He was my first supervisor when I became a career firefighter, and had been a lifelong father figure, mentor, and best friend to another firefighter and chief officer. He never married or had children. He was so many folks' go-to person; his skills at fixing or fabricating things, electronics, or anything mechanical were unrivaled. But to us, he was much more. We may not have shared a bloodline, but as we had dubbed him so many years ago for his always short hair, was family.

We took turns staying with him from Friday through Monday afternoon. He was moved to Nursing unit 9A where the staff made him comfortable. Hospice was contacted and his care plan was revised. What drove me to pen this was not just the care he received which was exemplary; it was the care everyone received. The staff, all the staff, from the physicians to the housekeeper, not only were caring, compassionate, and highly skilled clinicians, they were openly and genuinely concerned for his family's health and well-being. Our well-being. The entire staff, no exceptions. He lost his battle Monday afternoon.

In particular, I would like to recognize Erin Flaus, RN who almost unbelievably shared so many personal connections to him and our fire department making us feel so comfortable, but even if this young woman had no ties to our past, it would not have mattered. Her concern, care, clinical skills, and compassion are beyond exemplary. I have been in EMS for 38 years and have encountered very few medical professionals who have impressed me to this degree. She is a credit to her profession to AHN and exemplifies what it means to be a nurse. She is to be highly commended. Thank you all for taking such wonderful care of my family