Editor’s note: On November 8 it was announced five members of the Amboy Fire Department received promotions. The Nov. 29 edition of The Amboy News featured the first promotion story. This is the third as we get to know each of the promoted individuals a little better.  We thank them and all members of the AFD for their service and show gratitude of what they do for Amboy.

AMBOY – Kim Stram always wanted to be involved with the Amboy Fire Department.

However, with her, her husband Mike Stram and their five children (Luke, Josh, Tyler, Tristan, and Marissa) living outside of town, she decided against it.

Then 10 years ago, the Strams moved into Amboy and Kim officially joined the AFD.

On Nov. 8, she was promoted from EMS Captain to Assistant EMS Director.

“I wanted to do it when my kids were little. We lived in the country, and it just didn’t work for where we lived,” Kim Stram said.

“When we moved into town 10 years ago, my youngest son, was on the fire department staff and he pushed me to take the EMT class with him. I’ve been here ever since. All three of my boys were part of the Amboy Fire Department at one time, but none are now. My son was a big reason I’m here.

“I take pride in the department and the people. I look forward to helping our department become stronger out on the field. I really enjoy what we do and helping people. Now, I get to direct and be up front in decision making. It’ll be a challenge, but I’m up for it.”

Stram, who has lived in Amboy her entire life and graduated from Amboy High School in 1987, is happy with how the Amboy Fire Department has served the community and is excited about the future.

“I think we’ve grown a lot stronger in the last year or two,” Stram said. “There have been a lot of new things happening in terms of the department being updated and a new fire truck. We’re always getting new equipment. It’s a great place to be.

“I wish we could get more people here.”

Amboy Fire Chief Jeff Bryant Sr. appreciates what Stram has brought to the department for the last decade and thinks her position as Assistant EMS Director fits her skill set and adds to what she means to the AFD.

“She’s agreeing to take on more duties and be in more of a management role,” Chief Bryant Sr. said. “She’ll still be in charge of major EMS accidents, but in-house, she’s going to assist Wes Shaw (EMS Director) as a director. She’ll play a role in education, helping us hone-in our skills, and making decisions in which equipment we need or what needs to be replaced.”