Work is never quite done for nurse Christine Saggese. When she comes home from her case-management job at Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Saggese is on call with the Lake Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department.

"Christine instantaneously transforms into a volunteer fire department member at the sound of a pager," said Lawrence Gruszecki, volunteer fire chief.

LEITA COWART/Special (ENLARGE)

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Saggese, 43, joined the department three years ago. Her husband, Frank and their son, Frank Jr., have answered calls for eight years.

"When the calls came, we'd all go out together," she said. "Now that I've joined the department, I actually help monitor the condition of the firemen and give support to our neighbors who are experiencing emergencies, such as medical situations or fires.

"Technically, I can't work as a nurse for the department, but I'm a first responder to the emergency until the EMTs and paramedics arrive."

She brings administrative and clinical experience to the table.

"Christine has helped train and prepare us for emergencies, and she brings her calm demeanor and expertise," said Gruszecki, who nominated Saggese for the award.

At the hospital, Saggese works with patients from admission until discharge, helping them transition from a hospital stay to home care.

"These are my neighbors, so they know me as a nurse," she said. "When there's an emergency, being able to comfort them is a blessing."