Downieville Gains New Paramedic, Welcome Party Saturday

DOWNIEVILLE — Western Sierra County has a new paramedic! Cory Schiemann is taking over the role previously filled by Tegan Harrington, who is leaving for medical school in Arkansas next month.

Tegan has been Downieville’s paramedic since 2022, when he moved to the town from Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife, Erin. Originally drawn by the “small town feel,” Tegan says he has nothing negative to say about his time in Downieville and Sierra County. “The last couple of years I’ve spent here just kind of flew by, so I really enjoyed it,” says Tegan. Beyond his role as a paramedic, Tegan has embedded himself in the community and recently graduated seven Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from a course he organized and taught in Downieville. Tegan will be leaving in May for Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he will complete a four-year medical program, followed by three to four years of residency.

Cory Schiemann, originally from Mendocino County, is returning to California after time in Washington State. He has been training for the position under Tegan since the beginning of April. Cory says he’s adapting well to his new responsibilities, though the environment differs from elsewhere. He explains that while his primary responsibility is to respond to medical emergencies — a 24/7 job — the role also requires him to manage emergency services at a higher level. “There are layers of structure that have to go into a department as far as charting, organization, and coordination with other agencies that help put things together, help make things run.”

Cory has been completing his accreditation transfer from Washington to California, gaining experience with local protocols on medical calls with Tegan. He says that he has loved the town and community so far and appreciates the support he has received. Cory has also been impressed by the quality of Downieville emergency services, stating, “I think we’re pretty well funded and we have a lot of equipment that sometimes a lot of these other small departments just don’t have.”

Cory transitions to a full-time schedule at the end of April, after which Tegan will be on a per-diem basis until he leaves. Tegan says he’s placing the position in good hands. The Downieville Volunteer Fire Department will host a Hello Cory/Farewell Tegan party at the Community Hall on Saturday, April 19th, from 3 to 5 PM, following the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and cake will be provided, and the community can bring side dishes. The preceding Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the Downieville School Field starting at the noon bell.