PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A group of Kalamazoo-area EMTs who were asked to be part of the Presidential motorcade last week when President Biden visited Portage are sharing some stories about the unique experience.
Andie Grube and Jess Knapp of Pride Care Ambulance, who recently began an awareness and fundraising campaign, were one of two emergency medical crews asked to ride along during the President’s visit to Pfizer in Portage on Friday. Kylee Werner and Megan Richardson were the other local EMT crew working that day.
Grube spoke to us saying she was amazed when Air Force One landed and she saw the amount of people involved in the process of a Presidential visit.
“I was surprised by the amount of people that were actually involved in this entire process. There was secret service, State Troopers, S.W.A.T., military personnel and media. So many different people. The amount of people who came off Air Force One was daunting to say the least. It just seemed like such a smooth operation. And it was just an honor to be a part of it.”
She also said it was humbling when she met President Biden’s physician’s assistant and learned it would be the EMT crew’s sole responsibility to take care of the President if something should arise related to his health. He also gave them all official White House Medical Unit patches which she says was exciting to receive.
White House Medical Unit patch – Courtesy Andie Grube
Grube said politics had no impact on her feelings about being part of the President’s visit.
“Over a week ago our supervisor approached us to ask if we wanted to be one of the crews as part of the President’s visit. It doesn’t really matter which political party you support. I support the office, so I was very excited about it. It was very cool to see Air Force One come in.”
Grube and Knapp recently started their “Buckle Down on the Buckle Up” hashtag campaign to encourage seat belt use. That effort continues in combination with a fundraiser to purchase books for kids at Bronson Children’s Hospital. So far, they have raised over $3,700 in the effort.
