CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority honored one of its EMTs Friday who recently earned his U.S. citizenship.
Rod Cardenas grew up in Mexico. He met his future wife, a West Virginian from Cross Lanes, while both were volunteering at a children’s home in his home country. He’s lived in West Virginia for a few years and earned his citizenship last month.
Cardenas said he’s glad to be a Mountaineer.
“I’ve never thought about coming to West Virginia, but my wife is from here. It’s been good for me. I like the people,” he said.
Cardenas was presented a boxed flag by the ambulance authority at a ceremony Friday.
“I always thought that these things were really, really cool. I always wanted one. I never thought I’d get one but here it is,” Cardenas said.
Cardenas said he enjoys his job as an EMT because he enjoys helping people.