On this episode of The Small Town Tourist Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Justin Yurecko, a welder and member of the Upsala EMS. Our conversation covered his inspiring journey into emergency services, the challenges first responders face, and the importance of mental health advocacy, especially in small communities like Upsala. One key theme we discussed was how the community plays a crucial role in supporting its EMS teams, especially as they work to raise funds for a new emergency rig.
Justin’s path into emergency services wasn’t exactly straightforward. As a welder by trade, joining the EMS might seem like an unexpected turn, but it’s clear that helping others has always been in his nature. He shared stories from his time on the job that really highlighted the highs and lows of being a first responder in a small town. One story in particular stood out—a young girl he helped in a critical situation. It was one of those moments that reminded Justin of the impact he’s making, but also the emotional weight that comes with it.
We spent a lot of time talking about mental health and the importance of advocating for it, especially in professions like EMS where trauma is a regular part of the job. Justin is passionate about normalizing these conversations, not just for EMS workers but for the entire community. In rural areas like Upsala, mental health isn’t always openly discussed, but Justin believes that has to change. “It’s okay to not be okay,” he said, and that message needs to reach more people. By talking about mental wellness openly, we can help break down the stigma and provide much-needed support to those who might be struggling.
Community support is another big factor for Justin and the rest of the Upsala EMS. Right now, they’re working hard to raise funds for a new emergency rig. These rigs are the backbone of EMS work, ensuring they can respond to emergencies quickly and safely. To help with these efforts, the Upsala EMS is hosting an open house event, and they’re hoping to bring people together for a day filled with fun, education, and fundraising. The event will feature breakfast, a raffle, and opportunities to meet the team and learn more about the important work they do.
Justin also emphasized that the open house isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about recruiting new members and raising awareness about what it means to be a first responder. Small towns often struggle with getting enough volunteers, and Upsala is no exception. The open house is a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in joining the EMS to come and see what it’s all about. Whether you’ve always wanted to help your community in a hands-on way or are simply curious about what first responders do, this event is a great way to get involved.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Justin and I reflected on how community events like this open house bring people together. In small towns, we rely on each other a little more, and events like these remind us of the power of community support. Whether it’s raising money for a new emergency rig, recruiting new volunteers, or simply coming together to talk about mental health, these efforts make a huge difference.
So, if you’re in the Upsala area, make sure to mark your calendar for the open house. Come for the breakfast, stay for the raffle, and leave with a better understanding of the incredible work that our local EMS does. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll walk away inspired to get involved too. It’s these kinds of small-town events that keep our communities strong, connected, and ready to face whatever challenges come our way.
The Small Town Tourist 
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