Jon Durst Served the Southwest Side With Pride

Jon Durst has been a familiar face on Madison's southwest side for much of the past 17 years. Having responded to EMS calls and other emergencies mainly from Fire Station 7 on McKenna Boulevard, he knows the territory well— and he loves it.

 

"It's a little bit of everything. That's what I enjoy about it, and it's enjoyable to have a double company," said Durst, referencing the engine and ladder companies housed alongside the medic unit at Station 7. "Seven's definitely a nice place to be."

 

When he joined the department in 2008, he wouldn't have guessed he'd remain a paramedic as long as he has, at just under 16 years. But with a job so rewarding, there was little reason to step away from the ambulance.

 

"I feel like I make a difference when I come into work every day," said Durst, who retires from the Madison Fire Department today.

 

Durst started out as a volunteer with the New Glarus Fire Department in 1992 as a way to give back to the community. He soon became passionate about the work he was doing and decided to pursue a career in fire/EMS. While in the military, he worked full-time at the Truax Air National Guard Base and applied to MFD at the encouragement of a co-worker. 

 

He was hired to MFD on April 7, 2008. He became a paramedic in May 2010 and was reclassified to Paramedic 2 in January 2017. For most of that time, he responded on Medic 7.

 

"We have long transports [to the hospital], but at the same time you're able to do more medicine," Durst said. "Having more time with your patient, you get to have a personal conversation. Everybody’s story is interesting."

 

In addition to enjoying the variety and the busy days at Station 7, he's also enjoyed being a member of the Hazardous Incident Team for the entirety of his career. Durst says he's been lucky to serve alongside great bosses and fellow crew members.

 

"The memories that are going to stick with me the most are just how much the people that work on the department care about the people they're seeing," said Durst. "We're like everybody else— we come from different walks of life, but we combine together, and I think we do a very good job of taking care of the citizens here in town."

 

Now with retirement on the horizon, Durst has a list of projects awaiting him at home, and he hopes to continue giving back as a part-time EMS instructor.

 

"I was proud to be a member of this department. My career enabled me to earn a good living while also giving back to other people," he said.

 

"It's been rewarding, but I'm looking forward to sleeping at night."