Teen’s Gesture of Gratitude Appreciated by Essex-Windsor EMS

Nathan Hanrahan just wanted to let emergency services workers know they are appreciated, so he picked up a pencil to create a thank you note and work of art.

On Tuesday, Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter presented the 14-year-old from Essex with a paramedic service coin and thanked him for his act of kindness.

“You’re now part of the family,” he told Nathan as he handed him the coin with the Essex-Windsor EMS logo on it.

For Essex-Windsor EMS, Nathan sketched a picture of a paramedic crest and wrote next to it: “May you have wisdom and perseverance during each long shift. May your body and mind be protected as you touch lives every day. May sleep restore your strength and energy. May you know how much the world needs you and how grateful we are for your service.”

Then he went to the EMS station in Essex looking for someone to give it to and approached District Chief Tyson Brohman with his piece of paper.

It’s not the first time Nathan, who is soft-spoken and quick to smile, has done this. He gave a similar sketch and words of gratitude to the Essex OPP and is working on more.

“I just started thinking about what emergency services workers do and how they could use some encouragement,” said Nathan, who is an air cadet with 364 Lancaster Squadron in Windsor and wants to go into policing or another emergency services field after he finishes high school.

Krauter asked Nathan to sign his sketch, which will be framed and hung at Essex-Windsor EMS headquarters.

“Gestures like Nathan’s mean a lot to our staff. It brightens everyone’s day when they see someone has taken the time to share their gratitude in such a thoughtful way,” Krauter said.