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For Morgan Trujillo ’27, serving her community didn't begin this summer—it started with a simple opportunity to ride along with an ambulance crew.

Last fall, while working toward her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, Trujillo began volunteering with East Poweshiek Ambulance Service (EPAS) in Brooklyn, Iowa. What started as a chance to learn quickly became a passion.

"Through (EPAS) I absolutely fell in love with the EMS world," Trujillo said. "I quickly applied and joined EPAS as a volunteer driver for the ambulance then joined as a volunteer EMT once I completed it. I then joined the Brooklyn Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter."

This summer that passion evolved through her volunteer work with 91����’s Civic Education & Innovation (CEI) with the 91���� Fire Department and regional emergency response organizations. Rather than focusing solely on emergency response, the position introduces Trujillo to the many agencies working together to strengthen public health, emergency preparedness, and community safety throughout Poweshiek County.

"I had been planning on living in 91���� this summer and volunteering as an EMT and working at Dari Barn, but when I saw the Summer of Service program I was so excited," Trujillo said. "The idea of learning even more in depth about Poweshiek County's emergency services sounded like an absolute blast!"

Looking Beyond the Emergency Call

Although Trujillo already volunteers in emergency services, she says this experience has revealed just how many people work behind the scenes to keep communities safe.

"It has definitely expanded it," she said of her understanding of community health. "The biggest thing if I were to explain to 'an outsider' who had no experience with this world is that there are so many people working behind the scenes to keep our community safe and healthy."

Throughout the summer, she has met with leaders from the 91���� Police Department, Poweshiek County Public Health, Poweshiek County Emergency Management, the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Department, and other organizations to better understand how each contributes to the county's emergency response system. 

She has been particularly inspired by learning about preventive public health initiatives, community mental health resources, and emergency preparedness planning that often goes unnoticed by the public.

"The EMS system is very complicated with lots of moving parts," Trujillo said. "I'm really excited to see the little details of how things get done especially in departments I'm less familiar with."

A Community Partnership

For Assistant Chief" Patrick Duffey, the Summer of Service position is about much more than introducing a student to emergency services. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between 91���� and the organizations that serve the broader community.

"I think that it is a great opportunity for our agency and other emergency services in the county to work with the college for the Summer of Service program," Duffy said. "This is a chance for a student to be able to see the different agencies and organizations that have a role in public safety and how we work together to improve overall safety for the community."

Duffy notes that much of the work firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers, emergency managers, and public health professionals do happens long before an emergency ever occurs.

"It is important for us as a department to show people what we do, how we train, and the amount of work that is put into make sure that we are ready for an emergency," he said. "Unfortunately, most of this happens out of the sight of the public, and people only see when we respond to an emergency."

The partnership also creates opportunities for 91���� students to explore careers in public service while helping local organizations think through future challenges and community initiatives. 

Learning From Those Who Serve

Some of Trujillo's biggest lessons haven't happened during meetings or trainings. 

"Where I have learned the most is lunch and morning coffee," she said. "It's a time when both the police department and fire department sit down and talk about a lot of things. Being allowed in on these conversations has let me honestly learn the most and helped build trust between each other."

The experience has also reinforced her future goals.

"This internship has absolutely further cemented that I want to be involved in Emergency Services, be it as a full time career or volunteer capacity," Trujillo said. "There is a role for everyone to play and I look forward to continuing to find where I am needed within this system and what I enjoy."

Looking back on the summer, Trujillo hopes other 91���� students will consider exploring emergency services for themselves.

"Why not try it out!" she said. "Through this work you have the opportunity to give back yes, but you have the even greater opportunity to learn from so many amazing individuals. It can be a little intimidating coming into emergency services but this department is full of teachers and people very passionate about what they do so as long as you come in wanting to learn and help you'll be just fine."