Column: Don’t take everyday heroes for granted

By Dan Kontos

We take so much for granted at times. We go about our business, often oblivious to the wonderful things happening every day around us, let alone trying to be part of that wonderful happening.

I had the occasion this week to be in a local dermatology office. Yes, some of you will be disappointed to learn that I am doing just fine. While I was at the front desk, I observed a glass dry erase board in the hallway. Someone had written on it each month of the year, and there were tally marks for each month up until now.

The top of the board said, “Melanoma cases discovered.” While the bottom said, “Lives Saved:” with a total number. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes. While it is less common than other forms of cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage.

The dermatology clinic obviously took pride in its ability to detect this serious type of skin cancer. They were not bragging, just filled with a sense of accomplishment that passes between coworkers through a smile and nod when the board is updated. 

Each one of the Lives Saved totaled on that board represented someone in our community, someone’s loved one, their family, friends, and people that may have been touched by that person. The folks in that office were just everyday people, being everyday heroes, and most of us never knew. We do take so much for granted at times.

A heartwarming tale, for sure, but just like most things, it was quickly overcome by the myriad of mundane events that flood our lives. At least it was until I got home.

My wife received a devastating phone call that our dear friend, and my former colleague, had been rushed into surgery after it was discovered that morning that he had a large mass in his colon, and it turned out to be cancer. This man is Captain Paul Mattlin of the Stevens Point Fire Department.

This long-time firefighter/paramedic is now fighting for his own life. Like countless other people that he had helped over the many years of his career, Captain Mattlin was himself now transported—by his coworkers—in an ambulance that he had seen every day at work, into the arms of a surgical team tasked with saving his life.

You’ve passed the fire station before where Paul works, seen the ambulance driving down the road, and probably even pulled up at a traffic signal next to a surgical nurse, anesthetist, or surgeon, just going about their daily routine. Everyday people, doing their everyday things, touching lives every day. We indeed take so much for granted at times.

Captain Mattlin started out his career as a paid-on-call firefighter for the Village of Whiting, before being hired on at The City of Stevens Point. He trained as a paramedic, earned multiple promotions, and earned the respect and affection of everyone he served with. His days are filled with helping others, responding to calls for service that are, honestly, routine for him. But these calls often represented the worst days in the lives of others, and they needed Paul’s help.

His skill, compassion, and dedication are unquestionable. The lives and property that he has saved are too numerous to remember them all. The lives that he touched, and the impact that he made, are incalculable. It was just his job, a job that he loves.

Paul is more than just a civil servant. He is a father to two young men, a dedicated husband, and an enduring friend to so many. A man who would literally give you, not just the shirt off of his back, but any other article of clothing that you asked for. But that’s another story for another time. While most of the citizens that he encounters in the line of duty will not remember his name, to those who know him, he is one of a kind. We often forget how much we take for granted at times.

So, I ask you this day to take a moment or two and pause to reflect on those everyday heroes that may have touched your life, directly or not. Not just the fire, medical, law enforcement, and military people you encounter, but those everyday heroes that we rely on to make our society run. Too many to list, but if you try, not really that hard to see.

As for Paul, his surgery went well, and he is now recovering. Unfortunately, he has a long road ahead of him, and will understandably be away from work for a while. His friends and family have rallied to his wife and children like he has done so many times for them. 

If you are interested, a Facebook fundraising page has been created to help cushion the financial blow for his family. You can also get updates on his condition, and perhaps leave a note of encouragement as well.

So, with that, let’s go out of our way to recognize those everyday people who touch our hearts and lives. We will be better people ourselves for it. Until then, God bless.

Dan Kontos is a paid columnist for the Metro Wire. He chooses his own topics and his opinions do not necessarily represent the staff of the Metro Wire. He lives with his family in Whiting. 

Interested in becoming a columnist for the Metro Wire? Email [email protected].