The Shinnston News & Harrison County Journal has named Cindy Wright as June’s Citizen of the Month, a program sponsored by Dorsey Funeral Home in Shinnston – locally owned & operated.
By TRINA RUNNER
News & Journal Staff Writer
At eight years old, most kids are starting to explore what they might want to be when they grow up. For Nutter Fort twins, Cadence and Carigan Hayes, finding a role model for their future is no further away than yelling, “Mom”. Their mother, Cindy Wright, originally of Bridgeport, has shown them the power of compassion as she has served in the EMS field for the last 11 years.
“When a good friend of mine, J.T. Honce, was killed, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps of service. He was a Bridgeport Firefighter, and when I was taking my paramedic classes, I was awarded the scholarship in his name,” said Wright. “It was such an honor. He was the inspiration to go into this field of work and I wanted to continue to help others in his memory.”
The life of a paramedic is not a simple one. Known as superheroes on wheels, they are dedicated professionals who deal with unpredictable and often heart-breaking emergencies, sometimes involving friends and family. Regardless of the victim, emergency service workers put others’ lives ahead of their own as they treat and transport those in need.
Wright met her husband Tony Hayes while volunteering at Harrison County EMS in 2005. After completing her EMT class, she worked at Monongalia EMS for six years before taking her paramedic class. During her paramedic classes, she was awarded the “stick award” for the most successful IV’s, among other accolades for her service. She moved back to Harrison County where she has continued as part of the EMS team for the last three years.
While Wright’s job can be stressful at times, she knows she is helping people and there can be no greater reward. As a wife, a mother, a daughter and a sister, she knows how comforting it can be when someone is empathetic, patient and kind. Those are the very qualities that make her ideal for her position, both professionally and personally.
