The Patels moved to Montgomery in 2014. Tejas and his wife Parita loved the scenic landscapes, blend of historic charm with modern living of the town and raising two boys Shubh and Dev.
For Tejas and Shubh, community service isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life, a lesson taught by Tejas’s parents. Inspired by a shared commitment to helping others, the father-son duo found their calling in Montgomery EMS (MEMS), turning their passion for service into action. Though he had always valued giving back, it wasn’t until he moved to Montgomery in 2014 that he began to see the impact volunteers could have on a larger scale.
Tejas joined Montgomery EMS (MEMS) in 2022. Since joining MEMS, Tejas has quickly become a dedicated and reliable volunteer, responding to emergency calls and helping his neighbors in their most critical moments. “I couldn’t have made it without the incredible support of my wife. Her patience, encouragement, and belief in me have kept me motivated every step of the way.”
“MEMS has given us something unique—something we both love and can do together.”
As Tejas continues his volunteer work, he remains committed to balancing his family life, professional responsibilities, and his passion for service. Every week, he clears his schedule to serve with MEMS, knowing that his time and effort are helping those who need it most. “I’ll keep doing this for as long as I’m able,” Tejas said. “It’s about making an impact and knowing you’ve helped someone during their toughest moments.”
Seeing his father’s dedication firsthand, Shubh knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps. “My dad would come home after shifts and talk about the impact MEMS was making,” Shubh shared. “Hearing his stories made me realize how much of a difference MEMS volunteers make, and I wanted to be part of that.”
Inspired by his father, Shubh joined the MEMS Cadet Program the following year. Balancing school and training was no easy feat, but with his dad’s guidance and support, he successfully completed the rigorous EMT course, dedicating over 200 hours to coursework, hands-on practice, and emergency scenarios. “I had an advantage most new EMTs don’t—I could always turn to my dad for advice,” Shubh said. “He helped me study, walked me through difficult skills, and encouraged me every step of the way.”
Now, the duo serves together, responding to emergency calls and assisting at community events. While they may not always be on the same shifts, their shared experiences have brought them closer.
“MEMS has given us something unique—something we both love and can do together,” Tejas said. “It’s rewarding to see Shubh grow and thrive in this role, and I’m proud of him.” As Shubh prepares for his next chapter in college, he plans to continue his EMS journey and return to MEMS during school. “This experience has shaped who I am,” he said. “No matter where I go, I’ll carry these lessons with me.”
“Here at MEMS, I have met some of the best and most humble people in my life. They are dedicated, hardworking, and truly committed to making a difference in the community. They are like an extended family to us,” Tejas added.
For those considering volunteering with MEMS, Shubh and Tejas have one piece of advice: “Just go for it. You’ll gain skills, friendships, and experiences that will stay with you for life.”
