Grandview Terrace EMT Josh Martindale is one step closer to achieving a dream that many kids have but not many fulfill – becoming a firefighter.
He recently graduated at the top of his class as a Certified Firefighter I & II in the Fire Academy through Mesa Community College. Josh, who works the 4 p.m. to midnight shift at GVT, was a beneficiary of the Grandview Terrace Community Service Foundation Scholarship program, a resident-funded program that provides money for employees to further education and training.
“I am extremely grateful for the scholarship support, which paid for all of my schooling,” Josh said. “It helps out a lot of employees here and is very kind of the residents. I like all of the patients, or residents I get to help. Everyone is so nice and happy to see you. It’s a great working atmosphere.”
The 4 p.m. shift fits well with Josh’s school schedule. He plans to finish his associates’ degree in Applied Science in Emergency Response and Operations in the near future while continuing to work at Grandview.
“Josh is well liked and trusted by the residents,” said Melody Sandberg-Dixon, director of Resident and Health Services. “He has an excellent work ethic and it shows in how he manages his time and the emergency calls he responds too. He is a confident, professional and reliable.”
A career as a first responder is a natural for him. “I have family in the fire service and it has always interested me to also become a firefighter,” Josh said. “You are also serving as an EMT and a paramedic. That’s why I first became an EMT to achieve to this goal.”
As for what’s next, Josh plans to continue working at GVT until he finishes his degree. However, he does plan to start applying for firefighter positions in the Valley and in Southern California. It takes up to two years to get hired, but it helps to finish at the top of the class.
“When I go into an interview for they will recognize it and look at me more seriously,” Josh added. “It is a great personal accomplishment. Sixteen weeks of hard work that I wasn’t sure I could do it at first. Now, I am able to look back and be proud of it.”
