Bryce Saxon in the EMS Week spotlight

As National Emergency Medical Services Week is observed May 17-23, the Defense Logistics Agency’s Fire and Emergency Services team in Columbus is highlighting the first responders who protect Defense Supply Center Columbus and DLA Weapons Support. Among them is firefighter/paramedic Bryce Saxon, whose path into public safety began early and close to home.

“I had wanted to become a firefighter since I was six years old. My father joined my town’s local volunteer fire department and has since been an inspiration to my work,” Saxon said.

Saxon joined DLA Fire and Emergency Services in April 2025 after six years at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, where he rose to lieutenant with the aircraft rescue and firefighting team. He has also served as a paramedic with OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, Columbus Connection/Superior Ambulance and Gallia County EMS, and began his firefighting career in 2012 with the Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Department.

On duty, Saxon said preparation, training and responsiveness shape his day as calls come in. “A typical shift starts with roll call and truck checks where we can prepare ourselves and our equipment to provide the best possible outcome for the emergencies we face,” he said. The crew then focuses on fitness and fire/EMS training before responding to emergencies across the installation.

Community engagement stands out, too. Recalling a Halloween Trunk or Treat event on base last fall, Saxon said, “It was wonderful to see all the families out on base and be able to show the children our ladder truck. All firefighters are kids at heart, and who doesn’t love a big red truck with lights and sirens?”

Saxon describes the most challenging aspect of the job as also the most fulfilling. “The hardest part of the job is also the best part of the job. No two emergencies are the same which makes you think outside of the box and find new ways to solve the problem. Every call starts with minimal information about the pieces that are presented and we must take all things into consideration to form a plan, then put the puzzle together.”

What keeps him motivated, he added, is the chance to make a difference when it matters most. “The thing I enjoy most about my job is getting to help people on their darkest days. Even things that seem small to us as firefighters might be the worst thing imaginable to an individual. Being able to help others is rewarding and worth every second.”

Off the clock, Saxon said he recharges with friends and family. “I personally enjoy paintball, snowboarding, music trivia at my local pub and trying to hit those sweet golf shots I never seem to make on the course.”

Saxon’s focus on preparation, teamwork and problem-solving reflects this year’s EMS Week theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” as DLA spotlights the firefighter/paramedics and firefighter/EMTs who respond first when the DSCC community calls.