McCann Honors Longtime EMT Dave Burdick
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School celebrated EMT David Burdick during a basketball game last month to honor his 35 years of service to the school and its athletic program.
"Dave is just an overall great guy," said McCann Athletic Director Robin Finnegan. "He'll give the shirt off his back. He makes people fudge and beef jerky. That's just the type of guy he is."
Burdick, who graduated from McCann and is also a volunteer firefighter with Florida Fire Department and a police dispatcher, started his emergency medical technician work at McCann games in February 1987, shortly after receiving his state EMT certification. He enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to stay as the school's EMT permanently.
"At the time, they went through the local ambulance, and the general manager called me to let me know the waiver came through. And when I told them I have to look and see what I was available for on the ambulance, he said, 'Well do you want a game at McCann tonight?' and I said sure," Burdick said. "So I went down and worked, and like I said, that was 35 years ago. And here I am, still there."
Burdick said he has enjoyed spending the last 35 years at McCann and has developed numerous relationships with coaches, players and even other schools during his decades-long tenure.
"It's to the point now where I'm seeing players out on the court that I can remember when their parents were out on the court playing for McCann," he said. "Sometimes it makes you feel a little bit old, but it's been a great experience. I've had some great times."
Helping people, Burdick said, is what he enjoys most about his job. He noted that, even if it is the other school's player that gets injured, he tries to reach out so he can check in on their condition.
"If their players have been injured, I give them my phone number because I like to get a followup and see how the youth is doing," he said. "It isn't just a matter of treating them and shipping them out of there. I like to find out how they made out."
Finnegan highlighted Burdick's kindness as his standout characteristic. She said Burdick has always gone above and beyond, even traveling with the team to cover away games while always being friendly to everyone.
"He organizes getting police coverage for us, and if he can't make it, because he's got his own job, he organizes getting somebody to cover," she said. "There are some times when we have four games going on at the same time, and that man covers everything. Everybody knows him, and he's just so friendly."
McCann Principal Justin Kratz also spoke highly of Burdick and his more than three decades of service to the school.
"I've always appreciated his willingness to help out, not just at sporting events, but other events we have throughout the year," he wrote. "Dave is always there for the school, and it is incredibly appreciated."
Finnegan recalled one memory of Burdick when coaching his great niece on the school's softball team. Burdick made a wooden bat and had the entire team sign it as a gift for Finnegan.
"I will cherish it forever," she said.
Looking ahead to the future, Burdick said he is looking forward to seeing McCann play football under the lights at home next season, which he said is something they have never been able to do. He said being honored by the school was a great experience, noting numerous people, including McCann Superintendent James Brosnan, were present to celebrate the occasion.
"It has been a very enjoyable 35 years," he said. "Never once have regretted getting into it and doing it. I've had a great time there."
Tags: EMT, recognition event,
