“I joined the rescue squad as a volunteer to pay back this country for the opportunities it provided me and my family to make a better life,” said Miguel Morote, who emigrated from Peru in 2002 with his wife and 6-year-old son. Since coming to the U.S., Miguel has become a certified Master Electrician, earned his Class A Contractor license, and obtained his Master HVAC certification. More recently, he became a Ramp Services employee for United Airlines.
In spite of a busy work life, Miguel made it a priority to give back to the community by joining the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad (GMVRS) in 2019, after moving to Manassas from Warrenton where he was a member of the Warrenton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department from 2014-16. While in Warrenton, he completed his Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) training. After becoming a member of the GMVRS, Miguel successfully completed his EMT-B class became a certified National Registry EMT in March 2021.
When asked what was most rewarding about his EMS experience, Miguel was quick to say that it is the gratitude expressed by the patients for the care they receive; “It is gratifying to do good for others.” In responding to those who question why he volunteers, he tells them; “Money is not everything, I’m doing this because I want to be here.”