Ari Krysmalski is a Montgomery County EMS Provider Master, and is checked off at the Glen Echo Fire Department as a Charge Aide (A2) and Driver (A1). He is also a newly-minted Paramedic, after a year-long process that included classes, ride-alongs, and emergency department shifts. Ari also serves as a Staff Sergeant at GEFD, taking on responsibilities such as training crews. We are excited to highlight Ari’s accomplishments at the department for our first volunteer spotlight of this year.

Please introduce yourself. 

My name is Ari Krysmalski, and I’m honored to receive this recognition, especially after returning to active member status so recently. I’ve been a volunteer at Glen Echo for 6.5 years, and I currently work as a paramedic when I’m not volunteering. I started as a probationary member in 2019, got my charge EMT status in 2021, became an ambulance driver in 2023, became a UTV driver in 2024, and finished the county paramedic program last week. I’m apprehensively waiting for the next big snowstorm to get checked off as a snow plow operator.

Do you have any future goals as a first-responder?

Aside from becoming a plow operator, my main goal in the near future is to get more experience as a paramedic.

What is your favorite memory at GEFD?

My favorite memory at GEFD has to be going through the UTV driver checkoff process alongside Lt. Perkins and (former) Sgt. Goldner, under the excellent guidance of Sgt. Rohr.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to become a first-responder?

To anyone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer, I would say that almost everything in fire and EMS is an acquired skill, just like any other profession. You can be open-minded about whether volunteering is a good fit for you, because if (and only if) you put in enough hard work, you will develop competence, and eventually confidence.

Thank you to EMS Provider Master Ari Krysmalski for your continued dedication to the department!