A.J. Heightman, Editor-in-Chief – JEMS

"Randy Mantooth is one of the strongest reminders of how America turned the dedicated delivery of basic emergency care into a systematic approach to EMS and Advanced Life Support. Most people never thought it was possible for young firefighters like “Johnny Gage” and “Roy DeSoto” to be entrusted by the medical establishment with the establishment of IVs, delivery of medications, endotracheal airway procedures, or defibrillation of hearts in the field. However, Randy and his cast mates were able to convince the American public, which, in turn, pressured the medical community to establish ALS systems nationwide.

Randy’s lectures tell this important story right from the shotgun seat of Squad 51. And, the audience loves it. I recommend any group looking for a powerful speaker to bring Randy in for an important and enjoyable peek into the inside story of the development of the television series “Emergency!” and its tremendous impact on the EMS system development."

Nancy McFarland, CLAFMA's Third Alarm Fire Shop

"As our guest at the EMS Today trade show in Philadelphia, Randy Mantooth spent a total of ten hours over a three day period shaking hands and talking with each of the 400 visitors to the museum’s booth. He put his autograph on purchases over 800 times, personalizing every single one. Each day, there was a line of people -- emergency responders from all over the country -- waiting to meet Randy from the minute the doors opened, until they turned out the lights.

We have been first-hand witness to Randy’s popularity and his ability to draw a crowd wherever he goes, and can testify that his appeal is not merely celebrity-based. Through his words, works, and actions, Randy has become a ‘keeper of the flame’ and has earned the genuine respect of men and women at all levels in the firefighting and EMS fields.”

Battalion Chief Steve Martin, Los Angeles County Fire Department

“I have always said that Randy Mantooth is the most recognizable person in the Fire Service. Even though he is not technically a firefighter, he is most certainly a member of our firefighting family.

Randy’s biggest attribute is that he “gets it” -- he understands the enormous responsibility that comes with a life spent helping those in need. Today, I can think of no one better than Randy to speak on behalf of the fire service for the promotion of fire-based EMS, for he not only speaks with knowledge gained from his years associated with our leaders, but he speaks from his heart, with great compassion.” 

Deanna Clark, Project Director - “Managing Terrorism Incidents” Video Series

“In 2001, we asked Randy Mantooth to narrate a video series for the U.S. Department of Justice on managing terrorism events. The videos were targeted for emergency responders across the country. We chose Randy because he was the face of the firefighter for an entire generation of firefighters, and through the years, he had become a supporter and advocate of all emergency responders.

We were scheduled to begin shooting the videos in Nashville, Tennessee on September 12, 2001. Then, as we all know, the unimaginable happened on September 11th. Throughout the entire course of the project, we knew we had an extremely important mission. The events of September 11th only reinforced the project’s significance, and we knew we could not delay our production for long. We rescheduled the shoot for two weeks later. When the decision was made, we were aware we risked losing Randy, because it was likely he had previous commitments for that time. However, when we called, Randy told us that this important project had very personal meaning to him, and he would clear his calendar to be there.

We could not have asked for a more personable, responsive, professional, and “no frills” celebrity to disseminate our message. Most of all, he showed incredible commitment to our project in helping to train emergency responders on how to manage and protect lives during a terrorism event. We were exceptionally pleased, and are thankful for Randy’s support of our nation’s emergency responders.” 

Michael Rotola, Buffalo Fire Department - Chairman/Producer, FIREFEST

“We all thought it was a great experience to have Randy as our celebrity host for FIREFEST 2004, the Buffalo Professional Firefighter’s Association benefit for Variety Club and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. However, it was a personal moment that touched us most -- witnessing Randy with the caregivers on a tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. Randy stood by the nurses and doctors, watching the valiant efforts of tiny, life-challenged preemies and newborns as they responded to the best medical care Western New York has to offer.

He spent more time than planned in that special unit with the staff… asking questions, and giving encouragement… demonstrating the genuine care and concern that drives him to give of himself as he does. At that moment, we could see why Randy is far more than a TV hero.” 

Kathleen M. Corrigan, EMT-B, Folcroft (PA) Fire Company 01

“When the idea to invite Randy Mantooth to our fire department’s 100th Anniversary was first presented to the membership at large, there were those who expressed doubts about having “some Hollywood actor-type” take part in the celebration. They wondered if he would he fit in, or if he would look down on us and our little station.

The uncertainties remained right up to the night of Randy’s arrival. With his warm smile and friendly, down-to-earth manner, it wasn’t long before the most ardent skeptics had been completely won over. Throughout his entire stay, Randy was gracious and accommodating (even when he had to call on Saturday morning to remind us we forgot to pick him up at the hotel) and went above and beyond what was expected.

Randy’s participation in our anniversary celebration added a special facet to the occasion. The response from fire and EMS crews from all over Delaware County, as well as from the general public, was overwhelmingly positive. We’d love to share coffee and Krispy Kremes with him again… Randy is welcome at our station any time he’s back this way.” 

Lieutenant Larry Creekmore, South Kitsap Fire and Rescue & Board Member WSFFA

“Randy Mantooth was the keynote speaker at our WSFFA Annual Conference. His speech was attention-grabbing -- both humorous and serious. Most of all, it was an incredible history of EMS that made us proud to be part of Emergency Medical Services, and motivated us to strive for higher goals.

Randy made time for questions after his speech and stayed until the group dissipated before moving on to his next meeting. The next day, Randy signed autographs and took time to talk to everyone. He is friendly, and loves the Fire Service and its members.  He and his wife are great… they are “real” people.

This is not just a job. Randy doesn’t “just do speaking engagements.” He makes friends and lasting contacts. Thanks to Randy, our attendance was up and the event was a success. If you have the chance to hire him, take it!” 

Captain Peter F. Kertzie, Buffalo Fire Department

“When I first learned Randy Mantooth was going to be a special guest for our department’s “FIREFEST” benefit for the Buffalo Children’s Hospital, I was excited. Like many firefighters, I had watched “Emergency!” religiously… the show certainly had an effect on us. However, I realized that Randolph Mantooth was an actor, playing “Johnny Gage” and not an actual firefighter. I expected little more that night than the autograph of a celebrity. After meeting Randy, I found there was a lot more to him than just being an actor. He really does know about EMS and the fire service and champions some of our causes as if he were a member of the fire service.

He will modestly tell you that he is not a real firefighter… and, he is correct. However, he has done more for the emergency services than many real life members, and in my eyes – he is one of us.” 

Captain Paul Schneider, LACounty Fire Dept & Board Member County of Los Angeles Fire Museum

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Randy for a little over seven years. He has been a good and genuine friend to me, to the Fire Service, and to the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association. I had never thought I would someday come to be associated with "Johnny Gage" -- let alone, and far more significantly -- be able to call Randy Mantooth my friend. I have even had the unique honor of riding with him in Squad 51 at various functions, making us "Squadie Partners" for those short periods of time.

During the long tour with Project 51, I observed that no matter how many times fans told him the same thing, Randy treated each and every person as special. Over the years, he has continued to impress me with his dedication, concern and commitment. The Fire and EMS communities have a wonderful and true champion in Randy.” 

Brian Messier, Firefighter/Paramedic - Town of Fairhaven, MA

“Mr. Mantooth and his wife attended the Cape and Islands EMS Convention in 2004. I had the pleasure of meeting them, and can honestly say they are two of the most personable--and patient--people I have ever met. They had been going on less than two hours rest when they arrived after a cross-country flight, and were met by a group of 50 people when they walked into the hotel. They both shook hands and took to the crowd with a smile.

Randy gave a speech the next day that was quite inspirational, keeping the audience’s attention throughout. He thanked us for what we did, and said he could never figure out why people wanted to hear him talk… since he had just acted the part of a firefighter/paramedic, and how in awe he was of the people in the audience who did the job for real… how much he respected what the profession entailed, and how much he appreciated the opportunity to learn about the job while he was playing the role of “John Gage.”

We hope that he and his wife enjoyed the Cape and will consider coming back. They are more than welcome.” 

Kenny Trent, RN, CEN, Flight Nurse - UT Lifestar

“On April 4, 2003, Randy Mantooth spoke at the East Tennessee Emergency Medical Symposium, sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Emergency Nurses Association.  Attendance at the conference increased due to having Randy as our guest speaker.

His speech was very laid back, and he made the audience of nurses, EMTs and paramedics feel as if they could ask any question. Randy was interesting and very funny. At one point during his speech he took off his tie and got comfortable, making the audience feel right at home with him.  After his speech, he spent over two hours signing autographs.

I really appreciated how very friendly and down-to-earth he was with everyone. One of the most memorable thoughts for me was the time he spent talking to my 5 year-old daughter, who was very excited about meeting a celebrity. Meeting Mr. Mantooth was a lifelong dream, and having him as our guest speaker was a privilege.” 

Michael J. Ward, NJSFAC Symposium Manager

“The New Jersey State First Aid Council was fortunate to have Mr. Randy Mantooth attend and speak at our Convention last October 2004. Randy gave the keynote address Thursday night and spoke to about 500 people. Everyone was given time to recall the days when <i>“Emergency!”</i> was on the air. Most members said it brought back many fond memories.

On a personal note, both my wife Diane and I were a little nervous about meeting Randy and his wife for the first time, but it was a great opportunity, and a most pleasurable one. If we could do it all over again, we would. It was a great experience.”

John Jardine, Medical Director Cape and Islands EMS System - Cape Cod, MA

“Last year we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Cape and Islands EMS System. To commemorate this event, we planned a 2-day Conference with a concluding gala dinner. We needed a Keynote Speaker. Two years earlier, the TV show “Emergency!” had celebrated its 30th Anniversary. I thought… who better to be a Keynote Speaker than ‘Johnny Gage’.

At the Conference, Randy was incredible. Although an actor by trade, we all think of him as a Firefighter-Paramedic. And, he fits the role. He is very knowledgeable about the workings of the fire service, particularly in regards to EMS work. He thrilled the crowd -- turning grown professionals into the boys we once were, with dreams of being the heroic Johnny Gage. It was an inspiring speech. At the awards dinner, Randy personally handed out the honors to our System Workers. What an absolute thrill for the recipients, as well as all who attended the dinner.

Hiring Randy to speak at our Conference came with unimaginable benefits. Randy has been an inspiration to me in my career, and continues to be an inspiration with his obvious and genuine commitment to the Fire Service.”  

Kent Graham, Emergency Services Director - Town of Blowing Rock, NC

“The highlights from our booking didn’t happen at the actual event we booked Randy for. We were standing around the station after our event when we got dispatched to a structure fire. I asked him if he wanted to go, and we jumped in the Fire Marshal’s car and responded with the trucks. When we arrived, I realized that my third-grade teacher and her husband had set the outside of their house on fire with a barbecue grill. They had put it out with a garden hose, and as we were surveying the scene, my teacher screamed from across the lawn, “I know you!” and began to run towards me. I was especially proud to have become a firefighter for a brief moment -- but then she ran right past me with open arms and an adoring smile, and screamed, “You’re Johnny Gage!” Randy was behind me, trying to stay on his feet from the impact of her enthused greeting. He did introduce me as I was taking their picture. She remembered me only too well.

One might think that running a fire call with Johnny Gage would be the pinnacle of the visit… but there was more. I was the fortunate one who took Randy to the airport for his return trip. As we came to a traffic light at the foot of the mountains in the next district, the traffic lights crashed to the road in front of us. Hot power lines down, vehicles screeching to a stop, and a power pole splintered at the base from the SUV that had just hit it. We don’t have the local frequency, so I dialed 911 on my cell phone. When I turned to tell Randy what I was going to do -- the door was standing open and he was gone -- across the intersection, over the traffic lights and power lines, and directly to the elderly lady in the driver’s seat of the SUV.

I went first to the vehicle and opened doors to vent the airbag exhaust, and heard him saying all the right things and asking all the right questions! Traffic control was an immediate need so I went back into the street. The scene was completely surreal. As I was directing traffic, a nurse and other medical professionals approached and offered to help. Randy briefed them, confirmed their credentials by listening to them talk with the patient, and then he transferred care.

When we got back in the car to hurry to the airport, Randy said nothing. It was like he did this every day. With concern for his mental health, I asked, “You know you’re not really Johnny Gage, don’t you?” He told me amazing stories of things that have happened to him over the years. We were still laughing about thirty miles later, when I turned to Randy to say something. He was looking at the road, as I should have been, and yelled as he pointed, “Look out!.” Someone was cut off by another car in the oncoming lane. To avoid a rear-end collision, the driver swerved entirely into our lane. I turned immediately into the lane to our right, luckily finding a slot between two cars. We missed the oncoming car, the car in front of us, and the car behind us, by inches. After Randy privately shared his opinion of the oncoming driver’s skills (our windows were up) the laughter started again. As I dropped him off at the airport he was still laughing, and I was checking the mirror to make sure I wasn’t Roy.

The event we booked him for? Everybody loved him. Even those who didn’t know of “Johnny Gage” loved him. Randy is interesting, entertaining, inspiring, and the most genuine guy you’ll ever meet.