SIRENS & SUMMATIONS: A Return to Being a First Responder
/SIRENS & SUMMATIONS: A Return to Being a First Responder
By: Robert (Bob) Bianchi, Esq., NREMT
At 62 years old, I find myself back on the streets, but this time, not as a prosecutor in the courtroom but rather I am now proudly donning the uniform of a volunteer EMT at the South Orange Volunteer Rescue Squad, serving side-by-side with police officers, firefighters and first responders.
It’s an unusual journey, some might say, going from the structured world of law to the unpredictable, fast-paced life of emergency medical services (EMS). But for me, this shift has been nothing short of liberating and invigorating. It is also about getting back to things that mattered. I was an EMT in high school through law school, including when I started as a young assistant prosecutor. As life would have it, I let my EMT certification expire.
At the time, my career as an assistant prosecutor was most relevant. The experience, however, gave me a deep understanding of the challenges police officers face. I then worked closely with law enforcement for years, building cases, navigating legal battles, and ensuring justice was served. But as important as that role was, there was always a certain distance between me and the street; the real, raw side of emergency response. I watched the officers and first responders put themselves in danger day after day, serving the community with unmatched courage and selflessness.
I was then appointed the Morris County Prosecutor (2007-2013) and as the chief law enforcement officer it was a great honor to serve.
Little did I know, however, that decades later, I’d be walking in their shoes again, this time as an EMT. When I left the prosecutor role, it was time for me to “re-invent” myself!
A New Chapter, a Familiar Mission
When I decided to reclaim my role as an EMT after so many years, it wasn’t for accolades or recognition. I wasn’t chasing after titles or awards. It was about something deeper, a calling to serve in the most direct and hands-on way possible. The courtroom is a place where justice unfolds, but there’s a unique fulfillment that comes from helping people right where they are, in their most vulnerable moments.
I love the courtroom, but there you talk about things that happened, not as they unfolded. You can do nothing to change the events, only opine about them. On the street, it is vastly different!
The unpredictability of being on the street as an EMT is something I’ve come to love. You never know what the next call will bring; a motor vehicle accident, a heart attack or a domestic dispute. The stakes are high, and the response must be immediate. There’s no room for hesitation, and it’s here, in these moments of urgency, that the camaraderie between first responders truly shines. Working alongside the police again has been a deeply grounding experience. We share an unspoken bond, one forged through long nights, difficult calls, and the shared goal of saving lives.
Courage on the Front Lines
The courage of first responders — EMTs, police officers, firefighters — is something most people take for granted. These men and women face the unknown every day. They walk into situations that others would run away from, often without a second thought. And they do it not for praise or reward, but because it’s their duty. It’s what they’ve committed to, and it’s a calling they cannot ignore.
For me, stepping back into the role of an EMT at age 62 has been a humbling experience. I’m often the oldest person on the scene, but age hasn’t diminished my resolve. If anything, it has sharpened my focus. I’ve gained a unique perspective on life, one that only years of living and working through highs and lows can bring. I understand the importance of every call, every patient. There’s no time to take it lightly, and no room for anything but your best effort.
The most humbling part of this job is witnessing the bravery of others; the young officer who charges into a dangerous situation without flinching, the firefighter who rushes into a burning building, or the EMT who provides life-saving care under unimaginable pressure. These are the unsung heroes of our communities, and their courage inspires me every day.
Serving the Community Again
At its core, being a first responder is about one thing: service. Whether you’re a police officer, an EMT or a firefighter, your primary goal is to help others. That sense of duty transcends age, experience or background. It’s what brings us together and keeps us going, even when the job gets tough.
Returning to this world after years away has been a gift. It’s reminded me of the raw humanity of this work with the gratitude of a patient whose life you’ve saved, the relief on a family member’s face when help arrives, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a difference. There’s nothing glamorous about the job, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s not about accolades or recognition. It’s about showing up, doing your part and leaving the community a little better than you found it.
Support Your First Responders!
Robert (Bob) Bianchi, Esq., NREMT
Partner, The Bianchi Law Group, LLC.
NJ Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
Anchor Law & Crime Trial Network
Morris County Prosecutor, frm
Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor, frm.
Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician
EMT- South Orange Volunteer Rescue Squad
rbianchi@bianchilawgroup.com
www.bianchilawgroup.com
