Through his success in his career and through his service to the community, Drakes Branch native Thomas Rothwell is showing our community that hard work, patience and persistence can lead to fulfilling one’s dreams.

“After getting to see what (they) do, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” Rothwell said regarding his being tapped as a member of Centra One’s Flight Paramedic Team.

Rothwell will provide critical care and trauma support for Centra’s flight team on the scenes of major accidents, along with performing inter-flight facility transports for critically ill patients, according to Centra.

Though this is a large component of Rothwell’s community leadership, a most important part of his service to others is his volunteerism in Charlotte County, which has served as a foundation for the young man.

Rothwell has worked over the years with many emergency organizations. He got his start helping people in 2003 when he first joined the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department and the Charlotte Court House Volunteer Fire Department as a junior member at only 16 years old.

“Thomas is currently a line officer and training officer,” said Drakes Branch Fire Chief Kenny Tharpe. “He is definitely an asset to the department and community as a whole.”

Rothwell said he became a member of the Charlotte County Rescue Squad in 2007. He has been a member of all three departments since joining.

Rothwell’s success should serve as an inspiration for all who live in Charlotte County, but also an example of the impact one person’s volunteerism can have on those who live in the community.

“The experiences and training I received at these organizations made it clear to me that this is what I wanted to do for a living,” said Rothwell.

We commend Rothwell for living his dream and being an inspiration to our community.