On December 15th, there was a horrific traffic accident in Gilbert, Arizona involving multiple vehicles, one of which caught fire with two people trapped inside.
Off-duty firefighter and paramedic Ryan G. Spilsbury (Epsilon Tau–Northern Arizona ’10) just happened to be driving by when the accident occurred. Without hesitation, Brother Spilsbury jumped into action.
Spilsbury blocked traffic with his own vehicle so that he and other first responders could operate and manage the scene safely. Then he pulled the two occupants from the vehicle that was on fire and began performing CPR. Simultaneously he directed bystanders to safely use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire.
When the Gilbert Fire and Medical Department arrived, Spilsbury gave them a run-down of the situation, helping them to quickly and efficiently get to work.
Once the incident was stabilized and patients were transported to local medical centers, Spilsbury remained on the scene for more than an hour to give his account to law enforcement.
Spilsbury is a firefighter for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Fire Department and an emergency medical services supervisor for Maricopa Ambulance. When asked on why he took time to do things that he normally would be paid to do he humbly stated, “It’s just what we do, right? I was just in the right place at the right time.”
“The Fire Service is blessed to have him. I couldn’t be prouder of how he carries the title of Firefighter both on and off duty.”
“Firefighter Spilsbury shows up every shift with a positive attitude, ready, and eager to perform whatever tasks may await him and his crew,” commented Mark Barnhart, Acting Fire Chief of Fort McDowell Fire Department. “The Fire Service is blessed to have him. I couldn’t be prouder of how he carries the title of Firefighter both on and off duty. I can only hope that if I was faced with the same situation I would perform in such a competent and humble manner as Ryan Spilsbury.”
Ryan and his wife Laura live in Phoenix, Arizona, and have five children. Spilsbury is a member of the Loyal Order.
