CAROLYN WISEMAN walked into her office. The purr of the air conditioning unit replaced the sirens she once knew so well. Her desk, covered with paperwork and meeting agendas, reveals a new chapter. Yet, those memories of long nights and emergency calls are never far away. The boots in her closet may not tread hospital hallways anymore, but they still represent decades of public service in her beloved community.
Wiseman’s career spans over 30 years. She has worn many hats, from being one of the pioneering women in emergency medical services (EMS) to serving as a juvenile parole officer and now contributing to soil conservation.
Wiseman became the first female paramedic in Franklin County in 1986. Between the media attention she received from local publications, asking her for quotes, and the demands of her job, it all felt like a dream.
“When I found out that I was supposedly the first, it just blew my mind,” she said.
But she always makes sure to credit the women who paved the way before her.
“There are several pioneers ahead of me. They were the ones that paved the way,” she explained. “Being a woman in EMS back then was hard.”
Wiseman didn’t consider becoming a paramedic until high school, and becoming the first female paramedic wasn’t even on her radar.
In high school, she became a lifeguard, realizing she enjoyed caring for others. This interest grew stronger when her psychology teacher, Beverly Shelton, encouraged her and a few classmates to volunteer at a muscular dystrophy camp. At the camp, she saw many individuals with various genetic medical challenges, leading her to pursue a career where she could provide critical care to those in need.
Even though there weren’t many women in EMS at the time, the idea of a career in that field always felt possible for her. The thought of not succeeding in this industry never crossed her mind.
“I was passionate about the work, and it called to me in a way that felt like more than just a job. It was always a calling,” she said.
Over her 32-year career, Wiseman became known for her physical and emotional strength. Before automated equipment, she and her female colleagues had to rely on their own emotional fortitude and endurance to perform the physically demanding tasks of the job.
Wiseman’s career wasn’t all smooth sailing, but she was fortunate to work alongside some of the best in the field. Two of her most memorable partners were Kelvin Kelly McKelvey, who went on to become a paramedic and now works with the Nashville Fire Department, and Vicki Hobbs, an EMT who transitioned into nursing.
“We were a team, and we got the job done just as well as anyone else,” Wiseman said with pride.
Wiseman’s upbringing in a structured but supportive two-parent household gave her a great work ethic and strong will. Her father was a Navy veteran who served 30 years and saw action in Vietnam. Her mother was a strong and resolute woman, and both parents helped shape her moral values and principles.
“My love for this country came from my dad,” she reflected. “That was always something I carried with me.”
In addition to her EMS career, Wiseman served as a juvenile parole officer and was later invited to contribute to soil conservation efforts in Franklin County. If you ask Wiseman, public service doesn’t end after retirement.
Wiseman served as chairman of the county’s animal control board years ago. Under her leadership, the county’s animal shelter transformed from a high-kill facility to a rescue and rehabilitation center, saving the county substantial amounts of money in taxes.
As a community leader, Wiseman advocates keeping taxes low and preserving Franklin County’s character amid growth.
“I’m not against growth, but I don’t want our county to lose who we are,” she explained. “I also don’t want taxes to be outrageous, and it hurt the people that have been here forever.”
In Wiseman’s eyes, true success means staying true to yourself and striving to live by your values. This is one of the main reasons she believes she has been so successful.
“At the end of the day, I have to be able to lay my head down knowing I’ve done my best,” she said. “I’ve always tried to be the person that the good Lord wants me to be, and while I’m not perfect, I do my best.”
In every role she’s played — whether saving lives, advocating for animals, or standing up for her community — Wiseman has been a force of nature. Generations will forever remember her name among the countless trailblazers who have left their mark on the Franklin County area. GN
