BRIGHAM CITY -- Dr. Lance Bryce trades one front line for another when he goes from a local hospital trauma unit to ride along on Brigham City Police SWAT calls.
The chief of surgery and trauma director at Brigham City Community Hospital and MountainStar Canyon Surgical Clinic is also the medical director of the Brigham City Metro SWAT team.
Not only does he take care of the team's medical records and vaccinations, but he's also there to save lives if needed.
"He's in uniform just like the rest of our guys," said Lt. Dennis Vincent, Brigham City Metro SWAT team commander.
"He trains with us and comes out with us on all of our calls. It's absolutely wonderful for us, because he's a trauma surgeon, and you really can't beat that."
So far, Bryce hasn't had to perform any lifesaving procedures out in the field, Vincent said, but because the team is always walking into potential harm, his skills could be used in a heartbeat.
"He knows about all of us and maintains all of our records," Vincent said.
"He knows our blood type and all of that important information. He has everything on record at the hospital, so if we needed to go there, everything would be immediately available.
"We're very glad to have him on our team. He fits in with us perfectly."
Bryce is happy to help. In fact, he said he is the one who approached the SWAT team about getting involved.
"I became involved after taking a firearm safety and marksmanship course put on by one of the SWAT team members," he said.
"I simply asked him who takes care of their medical needs when they're out on deployment. I wanted to be an asset to a group of officers who literally protect us every day.
"I wanted to actively show my support and lend my skill set to benefit these officers. I believe there is too much complaining about problems and not enough active participation to help provide solutions to our community problems."
Bryce was approved as a volunteer member in December 2010.
"My primary responsibility is the health and welfare of my team members, and I am also available to immediately help victims or suspects if necessary," he said.
On a deployment, Bryce helps in the command center by keeping track of the officers' locations, assisting in transcribing information as it becomes available and being ready himself for any medical needs that arise.
He also correlates and plans an evacuation of anyone who is injured.
Bryce knew he wanted to be a doctor from the time he was 7 years old, when he watched Squad 51 doing rescue work on the TV drama "Emergency!"
He said he enjoyed the fact that people could be "fixed up" after an injury.
"One day, a doctor saved a kid that was in an automobile accident. I thought that would be a wonderful thing to be able to do, so I pursued medicine ever since that time," he said.
"I like the immediate result of repairing an injury or removing something that is causing the patient pain or harm."
Bryce recently was given the Extra Mile Day Recognition Award by Brigham City for his impact to improve the community through volunteer work. He said the best part of the award was the fact that he had no idea he was in the running.
"I think the best awards in life are those that come to you when you are just living your life the way you believe, and without knowing how you are being graded, you get honored for that way of life."
Bryce said he loves his job but loves his volunteer position just as much.
Volunteering is the spirit of America, he said.
"The simple concept of a benevolent act being performed on someone's behalf conveys the message that 'I want to do this because I care about you,' " he said.
"I hope we see a wave of volunteers backing the men and women who, day after day, purposely stand between us and the dangers of our society. ...
"The rewards of service have far-reaching effects and will boost the morale of our officers."
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