SPRING GREEN (WKOW)-- Small towns have a certain charm about them. Many times people wear a number of hats. That is certainly true for a Spring Green man.
He has found a way to not only run a business-- but also give back to his community.
It makes Jerry Baryenbruch this month's Jefferson Award recipient and 'Someone You Should Know.'
"I've always been fascinated with grocery stores," said Jerry.
Jerry Baryenbruch wants to make sure he has what his customers want at his grocery store in Spring Green.
"I always say the best job in the grocery store is the carry out person," said Jerry. "We carry out everyone's groceries and you can stop and talk to them, that's what it's about."
Jerry and his wife, Mary Lou, have owned Hometown Supermarket for 38 years.
"I love just dealing with people," said Jerry.
But Jerry is also known around town as the man who might help save your life.
"The hardest thing there is being an EMT is not having enough people, especially in the day time, that's a major, major problem," said Jerry.
Jerry has served as a volunteer EMT for Spring Green for more than 50 years.
Jerry can't jump in the back of the ambulance right now because of a recent hip replacement. But, he's still very active considering he's also the EMS chief.
Jerry, along with his crew, spent much of this meeting going through skills recertification.
"Jerry's the reason why I'm an EMT," said James DeVita.
James DeVita has been along side Jerry for nearly 14 years.
"The amount of time that he gives of his life to this community and the outlying communities is just mind boggling and inspiring to all of us," said James DeVita. "As much as Jerry can do, it makes us want to do more."
Each life they save drives the entire team to keep going.
"He said you don't remember me, I said no, he said I just wanted to call and thank you for saving my life," said Jerry. "The guy had a heart attack at one of the restaurants, he went down and we had to shock him and we were lucky."
Jerry says he'll keep volunteering for as long as he can.
"I like it," said Jerry. "The best thing is it's the most rewarding thing you can do."
Jerry hopes to be back in the ambulance by the first of the year.
One of his sons is following in his footsteps-- he's been volunteering with Spring Green's EMS for nearly 25 years.
