Excelsior Springs celebrates 17 years with an experienced first responder who loves the community and the Excelsior Springs Fire Department (ESFD). From childhood, ESFD Fire Captain Scott Guthrie knew he wanted to become a police officer or work in the fire service. He did undergo testing for police officers, but because of a lack of hiring, he was never able to join. That was when he knew the fire service was the right path for him. Guthrie started his career in Georgia as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in 1993. He obtained his paramedic license in 1999 and attended the fire academy in 2000. After working at three different departments in Georgia, he moved to the Excelsior Springs area and joined ESFD in 2007, where he has stayed ever since. “I like the small-town feel,” he stated. “I like that you not only get to know everyone you work with on a personal level, but you also get to know city employees in different departments and community members.” Throughout his time as…