Meet Firefighter/EMT Tyler Olszewski

Where are you stationed?
I'm at Fire Station 13 (Town Center Drive) on the 'A' shift.

How do you feel your previous education or work experience has prepared you for this role?
Before being hired by MFD, I had the privilege of serving the public as a Deputy Sheriff for the Dane County Sheriff's Office. I feel very fortunate to have had this experience because I believe that job truly laid the building blocks for me to be a successful public servant. During my time there, I learned how to be a more empathetic and caring person who can effectively communicate with somebody going through a crisis. I strongly believe that having good people skills is a definitive trait every public servant needs to have in order to be successful in this role.

What are among the most memorable experiences you've had since graduating the academy?
When I was with Station 7A during my first assignment, I was fortunate enough to be a part of some very impactful and unique calls. Station 7 is where the HazMat team is. During my time there, I was a part of two full-response, high-acuity HazMat calls where I got to put my skills to the test. I also got to work with multiple different agencies such as the FBI, DCI, and other municipal agencies. These experiences really put into perspective how everyone needs to work together to accomplish larger tasks.    

What has been one of the most rewarding experiences of your career up to this point? 
While I was still with 7A, we received a call one night for an 11-year-old boy who had accidentally cut himself. He was bleeding pretty bad and in a high level of distress. I could quickly see that the bleed was arterial and needed a tourniquet. We got the bleeding under control and coached the boy until the medics arrived. It was a pretty rewarding feeling being able to help a young person through a scary event like that.

What are some professional goals you have for yourself?
Most of the calls we receive are related to the EMS side of things. Because this is such a large portion of what we do on a day-to-day basis, I look forward to the challenge of becoming a paramedic. I think I would be able to be provide the greatest positive impact for the community in this role. 

Do you have a favorite book or movie that you would recommend? 
I love comedies, especially ones with lots of dry humor. One of my favorite movies is Midnight Run with Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. It's just hilarious and always puts me in a good mood after watching it.