Emergency responders use carpentry skills

CHISHOLM - Emergency responders last week pitched in to make a homecoming possible for a local resident.

A coalition representing the Chisholm Police Department, Chisholm Fire Department and Chisholm Ambulance Service worked in conjunction with Access North to build a handicap-accessible ramp at the home of Sharon Pollary.

Seven months ago, responders were called to Pollary's home for a medical emergency. She was experiencing a stroke, according to her daughter, Kim Maki.

Maki said the rapid response of emergency crews helped to save her mother, who was airlifted to a Duluth hospital. Pollary is currently receiving therapy at a local health care facility.

Maki said when exploring options for her mother to return home, she was referred to Jason Worlie, who oversees the ramp project for Access North-Center for Independent Living.

Prior to contacting him, Maki said she felt a bit overwhelmed and didn't know where to turn.

Worlie, who also happens to be a responder with the Chisholm Ambulance and is a member of the Fire Department, said he thought it would make a good community project. He then coordinated with volunteers from the three agencies.

Being able to help someone who they've helped in an emergency return to their home is rewarding, Worlie said.

With the ramp now in place, Pollary was expected to return home within a few days.

Center for Independent Living provides ramps for people with disabilities on a sliding fee scale. By working with community volunteers, the cost of the ramp ends up being around a third of what it typically would run, according to the organization's website.

More information on the ramp project is available at www.accessnorth.net or by calling 218-262-6675.