Photo courtesy of Houston Fire Department
Story by Bobby Vasquez

Stephen Scott felt like he had more to offer society. He was a licensed real estate appraiser and worked as a ranch hand. But, something in his life was lacking.

Feeling the need to give something back to the community, he joined the Houston Fire Department in 1996.

“I really wanted to do something with my life,” he said. “I was sitting inside all day at a desk. My father was a military police officer, so I knew I wanted to something like that.”

So, he did.

Getting a job with the city wasn’t easy for the Abilene native. When Scott first inquired about a position in 1989, the department had frozen hiring. So while he waited, he took up real estate appraisal, and, in 1992, opened his own business.

But he still clung to his desire to serve the public.

“I really felt I wanted to help people,” he said.

When the opportunity was presented, he joined the Houston Fire Department, trained as a paramedic and firefighter and was assigned to Station 9.

Personnel assigned to Station 9 have easy access to the Heights, Midtown and downtown areas of Houston.

“I love both fire fighting and EMS equally, so it’s an exceptional job. One moment, you are at someone’s home helping them, the next you are in a high rise trying to revive someone. There’s really not much else like this.”

“It’s interesting to see the different people we help,” he said. “It could be a child, young adult or elderly person; they all need help and might be scared. It’s our job to do all we can to make things better for a wide variety of people and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

While the physical dangers and exhaustion associated with EMS and firefighters are well documented, Scott said he relishes the opportunity to help citizens in their greatest moment of need.

“For some people, dealing with the emotions or seeing too much tragedy can be difficult, but I’m the opposite. I see it as a positive,” he said. “As long as I feel good about what I am doing, then I know I am doing the right thing. Those types of opportunities don’t come every day with every job.”

Shelia Nunnelee applauded the firefighters and paramedics who assisted her after a serious life-threatening accident. Scott’s actions were particularly memorable, Nunnelee wrote.

“Although I remained out of it for most of the time, I remember Scott’s calming touch, voice and manner as he performed his job, giving reassurance that all would be all right,” she wrote. “I knew from his first contact, tending to me was his first priority, and he would do whatever it took to keep me safe and get me the intensive care I needed.”

Now assigned to Station 102 in Kingwood, Scott said he and his crew are still humbled by the appreciation.

“I was just doing my job,” Scott said. “That’s what we all are supposed to do.”

Houston fire and EMS are lucky to have Scott on their team, Nunnelee wrote. Mayor Bill White agrees with that sentinment and applies it to all the city's first responders.

“Our fire and EMS teams are the best trained in the nation and have one of the finest records in saving lives,” he said. “They represent Houston best at a time when they are needed most, and paramedic Stephen Scott exemplifies that.”

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