Helping others

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By HEATHER RUPPE

Mike Bascom is a man who has been working in the Colleton County community for more than a decade, helping those in need and setting an example for other people in his field.

“He is an overall great guy, who goes the extra mile and is a caring individual with great patient care skills,” said Barry McRoy, chief of Colleton County Fire-Rescue, the agency where Bascom works.

For about 10 years, Bascom, 47, has worked as a firefighter-paramedic for Colleton County Fire-Rescue. In that time frame, he has helped countless people who were in need.

For this Ridgeland native, working as a firefighter-paramedic is his second career. His first career was a master technician, meaning he was an ASC-Certified Mechanic. He switched to his current career because his doctor told him to find a career a “little less stressful.”

“It’s not less stressful,” he said, with a laugh. “It’s always rewarding, but it is not what the doctor ordered.

“But, this is my calling,” he said.

When asked what his favorite part about his career is, he couldn’t give one answer. “I just enjoy helping people. Working in a rural community is more about getting to know people, and to know how they live,” he said.

When he is not working, Mike races cars. He also currently co-owns a mechanic shop.

In 2021, he was named the 4040 Championship Division Winner in 2021. He still races, mostly in Sylvania. But, it’s his love for helping others that is his biggest life work, he said.

“I have a conscience. Most of the time, you need to be there with people, to make sure they are ok before you leave. It’s not just about responding to a 911-call,” he said.