ToquiNotes: A Behind-the-Scenes Life that Resulted in Saving Countless Lives with an Immeasurable Impact
By Jeff Toquinto on May 10, 2025 from ToquiNotes
Not everyone that makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people ends up seeing their names regularly in the media. They’re not always a coach, an educator, an elected or public official, or a philanthropist who gives to worthy causes.
Sometimes, the person making the difference in many lives and also saving them, is behind the scenes. Sometimes, the person who 
made the difference or saved lives is only briefly seen or, in this particular case, might only be heard.
made the difference or saved lives is only briefly seen or, in this particular case, might only be heard.
Such was the case with Paul Rasmussen. During the course of his 54 years on this earth, Rasmussen was many times that person. That does not mean he was not a well-known force in his lines of serving the community, he was. He was just more impactfully tucked away than in front of the camera.
I mention this in this blog because on April 23, while I was on vacation, Rasmussen passed away far too young. He passed away after a long struggle with multiple health-related issues, but not before his legacy of giving was etched firmly in granite.
Even though it is a little later than I would typically write about someone who has passed, those who did not know Paul Rasmussen need to know about him. And for those who did know him, they will not be surprised by anything written here.
What I know about Rasmussen was what was told to me by others as I watched his health battle via social media and I wanted to know more about him. Although close in age, graduating from the same high school, and running with many in the same circles, we were casually acquainted. His reputation, however, was known by many.
In his obituary, it sums him up in the opening paragraph to a tee. “Paul dedicated his life to serving others and making his community a safer place.”
He dedicated that life to the very end – literally. For decades, Rasmussen served the public starting first with the Salem Volunteer Fire Department before branching out to working for both the Harrison County and Marion County EMS, which I knew prior to his passing.
What I did not know was that Rasmussen also worked at United Hospital Center, serving as an emergency room technician. If you are in that post, you need to have people skills, you need to have empathy, you need to have compassion, and you certainly need to know what you are doing.
He had all of those things in spades. And he continued his work with those same tools by spending nearly a quarter of a century working at the Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services serving as a 9-1-1 dispatcher – ending his time right here at the facility in Bridgeport.
One of the individuals who knew him best was Rick Rock who serves as the executive director of the Harrison County Emergency Squad. The two .jpg)
have known each other for more than 20 years, said Rock.
have known each other for more than 20 years, said Rock.
“Paul was about serving the community 100 percent. When I started in 1999 at the EMS, he was transitioning, I believe, between the EMS and the 911 center,” said Rock. “You just didn’t forget him. He was an original with the EMS to me.
“The thing that stood out about Paul was that he was good at a difficult job, multiple difficult jobs during his life,” Rock continued. “When you were in his care, whether with the EMS or 9-1-1, he worked to get people where they needed to be and with the best help they could receive, and his demeanor was calm and kind. That’s the commodity you seek in his profession and Paul had that.”
That kind hand that held your hand decades ago. That calm voice that eased you during an emergency call to 9-1-1. That reassuring
presence upon arrival at the emergency room. If you do not remember, there is a reasonable chance that person – the one that helped save your life or make you or someone you love whole again at perhaps the worst moment of your life – was Paul Rasmussen.
presence upon arrival at the emergency room. If you do not remember, there is a reasonable chance that person – the one that helped save your life or make you or someone you love whole again at perhaps the worst moment of your life – was Paul Rasmussen.
It is obvious he deserved a better fate. His body, unfortunately, began failing him. At the top of the list there was a need for a new kidney, but there were other issues, some minor and some severe, as well. For reasons God only knows, the kidney he thought he would get never came. Eventually, not too long ago, receiving a kidney was ruled out. Days, hours, and minutes became numbered.
Family and friends were given a chance to say goodbye. But Paul had one left “save” to make. He was tested – and accepted – to donate his liver. In a truly fitting moment, Paul 
Rasmussen was given a hero’s walk at the hospital to make the donation after his passing.
Rasmussen was given a hero’s walk at the hospital to make the donation after his passing.
“That doesn’t surprise me a bit because he was a giant of a man and a giant in this industry,” said Rock. “People talk about doing good deeds, but Paul lived it on every front.
“I can tell you this, when I was going through a rough time recently, my phone rang, and it was Paul. I knew what he was going through at the time and that there was a chance he may not make it because he was really struggling,” Rock continued. “When I answered I was ready to help him with whatever was needed. Instead, he was calling to check on me to see if I was okay and needed anything. That speaks volumes that a guy struggling with his own life is checking on others. Who does that anymore?”
Heroes do that. Even ones you do not always see.
Rest in Peace Paul. Your work here is complete.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Paul Rasmussen at the beach, while he is shown in the second photo during one of too many stays in the hospital. In the third image, Rasmussen is shown doing work at 9-1-1 center in Bridgeport where he directed people to help and likely saved countless lives. He is shown with his wife Shelley in the fourth photo and in the bottom image he is taken to his resting place being honored by first responders for his dedication to his professions.
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