Healing the Heartland– A Documentary Film

Fire Chief John Bockrath has created two annual budgets for Norwood Fire Protection District. One outlines his dreams for the fire and EMS department: three paramedics on-call at all times, a thriving wildland fire team, and a promotion to EMS Director for his right hand, Heather King. The other is a worst-case scenario: cutting the wildland team and a paramedic, leaving only John, Heather, and their dwindling volunteer base to care for over 3500 residents of the district. Which option prevails depends on the results of a district-wide vote– an increase in property taxes would raise the fire department's operating budget, but if voted down, could have dire consequences.

The story of the NFPD is the story of rural EMS agencies across the country. Lack of funding, increased demand, and low volunteer numbers have put increasing pressure on small agencies as they try to care for their communities. The goal of this documentary is to raise awareness about the challenges that rural EMS agencies are facing, and encourage audiences to consider the importance of accessible emergency health care.

The end result will be a 10-20 minute film, which will be shared online after a festival run in 2025.

Director– Nick Morton

Director of Photography– Lynden Joslin

Camera Operator– Dameon Bystrom

Sound Recordist– Jamie Chenhall

Assistant Producer– Savannah Londo

Any funds raised in excess of production costs will be donated to the Norwood Fire Protection District.