ARCADIA, Florida. Rick Hezlitt, a DeSoto County paramedic and fireman who has devoted 25 years to protecting lives, is currently battling cancer. A wheelchair ramp was constructed at his house as a show of solidarity from the community he served for decades.
Volunteers from the fire department, Womack Sanitation, and Habitat for Humanity collaborated on the building project on Wednesday, returning the favor to a man who dedicated his professional life to serving others.
“I have no words to describe it. I can’t think of anything to say. You live your entire life hoping that those around you think well of you, and it seems that I have,” Hezlitt remarked.
To watch Victoria Quevedo, the Arcadia Community Correspondent, interview Rick and his family, click here:
There is more to the initiative than just increased accessibility. It serves as a potent reminder of Hezlitt’s influence on his neighborhood.
“They are simply a family.” Kristy Sweeting, who worked with Rick, stated, “We just needed to come out here and continue to be a family because the entire fire department is a family.”
Hezlitt dealt with innumerable crises during his career, including one very heartbreaking emergency in which he arrived at a fatal vehicle accident only to find the victim was his own sister. His family claims that in spite of the personal tragedy, he carried out his responsibilities like the hero he is.
“I never saw myself as a hero; I just wanted to do my best; that was the vocation I chose. “Until I was no longer able to work,” Hezlitt stated.
Rick’s niece, Lindsay Heine, highlighted the community’s drive.
“Everybody is just trying to give back to him for all the stuff that he’s done for everybody else,” she continued.
Robert Womack and Luke talked about their personal relationship.
I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of Rick’s life. My only regret, after 40 years of knowing Rick, is that I didn’t hire him sooner,” they remarked.
One person may have a significant impact on an entire community, as evidenced by the large turnout for the project on Wednesday.
“He was a hero to everybody.. but just an extra special hero to me,” Heine stated.
“You always think you’re important to peoples lives but you don’t realize how much until something like this happens,” Hezlitt said.
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