Protect What Matters.

EMT Caelan Ecos Shares Powerful Stories with Driven Foundation Students

Choices, Consequences, and the Courage to Protect What Matters.

Roy Hall Jr.
May 7, 2025, 9:00 AM ET

We’re committed to helping students grow, not just academically, but emotionally, mentally, and socially. Last week, our Johnson Park Middle School After-School Program was honored to welcome EMT Caelan Ecos from the Columbus Division of Fire for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with our students.

For nearly 20 minutes, Mr. Ecos spoke from the heart, sharing his firsthand experiences as an EMT, responding to emergency scenes involving young people, and the deep emotional toll that comes with witnessing tragedy.

He didn’t sugarcoat the pain. He described the moments when he arrives on a scene and can’t save a young life, and the anguish of parents and loved ones who arrive too late. His message to our students was clear and direct:

“Your decisions don’t just affect you. They affect everyone who loves you.”

He urged the kids to make good choices, to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and to surround themselves with the right people. Friends who care enough to steer them toward something better. His message was firm but full of compassion.

Then came the fun part. Mr. Ecos let the students try on some of his gear, take photos, and explore what it’s like to serve others through emergency response. For many of our students, it was their first exposure to the idea that they, too, could grow up to save lives.

We’re incredibly grateful to EMT Ecos and the Columbus Division of Fire for their continued service to our city and for taking the time to pour into our students in such a meaningful way.

The right voice at the right time can change everything.

If you’d like to support our programs, or if you’re someone who’d be willing to speak to our students, whether it’s about your career, your journey, or lessons you’ve learned, please reach out. We’d love to have you join us as we prepare for our summer programming and continue building up the next generation.

Together, we’re shaping lives; one conversation, one choice, one student at a time.