Q&A
Jim Ulrich welcomed more than 40 firefighters, paramedics, flight nurses and other emergency-service providers to his southwest Denver home Tuesday. They came to salute their former colleague and rename an award to honor him.
Ulrich, 55, is battling cancer. He retired from the Englewood Fire Department as an EMS chief in August.
A third-generation firefighter, Ulrich joined the Englewood Fire Department in 1978.
Ulrich also has also acted as a spokesman for the Englewood Police Department over the years.
He was instrumental in establishing the Friends of Airlife Silver Falcon Award, which recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the emergency medical service. Friends of Airlife was formed in 2001 to remember Pete Abplanalp, Beth Barber and Leslie Feldmann, who died in an Airlife helicopter crash in Littleton in 1997.
Ulrich is the 2006 winner of the Silver Falcon Award, which now bears his name.
Q: What is the highlight of your work in EMS?
A: Just the proud satisfaction of actually making a difference. That’s all I ever wanted to do, was make a difference.
Q: Talk about the importance of the work that EMS professionals do every day.
A: Lately we’re really a catch-all for whenever you need anything, these are the people you call. And, it’s actually getting better.
Q: Were there ever any troubling moments working in EMS?
A: I can honestly say there has never been a day I didn’t enjoy going to work in 28 years. It’s the greatest job in the world.
Q: What does this type of recognition by your colleagues mean to you?
A: When we first came up with the award it was established to salute those who have contributed greatly to EMS. I’m overwhelmed that I’ve been selected. We kept pretty high standards. I’m hoping we haven’t lowered them.
– Kieran Nicholson, Denver Post staff writer
REGIONAL NOTES
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Meeting set on Arapahoe corridor
Proposed improvements along the Arapahoe Road corridor from Interstate 25 to Parker Road have been studied for the past few months, and several operational and design alternatives have surfaced.
The Arapahoe Road Corridor Study’s third public meeting is Thursday at the Arapahoe Library District Support Services Building, 12855 E. Adam Aircraft Circle. The community will have an opportunity to view and discuss new developments during an open house from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The corridor study, which began a year ago, is an 18-month study to examine alternatives for improving mobility, accessibility and safety while balancing local community needs along Arapahoe Road.
For more information, go to www.arapahoecorridor.com.
