January 10, 2018
By Paragon News Director Paul Joseph –
A Clinton emergency first responder recently received tickets for four people to attend an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game.
But, the best part was that, 22-year-old Allison Blackowl, an Advanced EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) was honored on the floor Chesapeake Arena basketball court in front of thousands as the December Enable Midstream Safety Partner for the state.
The Enable and Thunder organizations’ program called honoring “A Champion in our Community” acknowledges first responders all around the state who exemplify top values while protecting and partnering with their community, one per month.
And Friday at 1 pm, the celebration moves to the Frisco Center in Clinton during a Hometown Celebration with Rumble the Bison, the Thunder cheerleaders and a whole host of family, friends and community members and partners honoring Blackowl and people who serve the Clinton community as first responders.
Saying that ‘receiving the award is surprising’ is an understatement.
Besides receiving the honor, the tickets and the two celebrations, Blackowl will accept a contribution of $15-hundred dollars from Enable Midstream on behalf of Sinor EMS of Clinton, where Blackowl is employed.
She says it’s all been a whirlwind beginning with the first phone call and then receiving the award the night of December 3.
Blackowl says that receiving the award is a great honor, but it’s also humbling along with another feeling she’s not sure about. She received the award for doing her “job,” serving others – looking for no recognition. Serving others is her gift she gives others.
Blackowl says she’s – still – not sure why they picked her.
Blackowl has been an Advanced EMT for two years and has been with Sinor EMS for 5 years. She earned her “first responder” certification, then her EMT and finally her Advanced EMT certification.
Though working as an EMT can be very trying and mentally and physically draining for which she seeks no recognition, she says, perhaps, receiving this award in a public setting will motivate and encourage someone else to serve their community by helping others.
Blackowl is the mother of four children ranging in age from 10 years to 9 months old and is married to a former Clinton police officer, Shawn Blackowl.
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