Colonel Stephen Nacy

Colonel Stephen Nacy’s journey to Antarctica began in 2008 when he first joined the fire service and learned about firefighters working on the icy continent. Over the years, Colonel Nacy worked globally as a remote paramedic, gaining the necessary skills and experience to make that dream a reality. His opportunity arrived when he worked as an expedition medic on the Ice Shelf in Greenland, where he made connections that led to his deployment at McMurdo Station in Antarctica for the 2021-2022 season. He was invited to return for the 2022-2023 season, this time at the Amundsen-Scott base at the South Pole.

At the South Pole, Colonel Nacy’s role as a firefighter was essential for emergency response, particularly in case of plane crashes or medical emergencies. His daily routine included briefings about military flights, gearing up to assist with firefighting using dry powder systems, and waiting for the end of flight operations. The harsh conditions included extreme cold and high altitude, making every task physically demanding. The Amundsen-Scott base sits over 9,000 feet above sea level, and temperatures often plummeted below -60°F, requiring Colonel Nacy to stay constantly vigilant and hydrated. While there weren’t many emergencies during his season, Colonel Nacy and his team were always prepared, training for worst-case scenarios and providing basic first aid and firefighting training to other workers. 

The camaraderie among the team created a strong sense of community. Being firefighters, they aided in events like the annual changing of the pole marker ceremony at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station on New Year’s Day. The South Pole is located on an ice sheet that is constantly shifting, resulting in the exact location of the South Pole shifting slightly each year. The pole marker that marks the location of the South Pole is moved annually to reflect this movement. This ceremony is not just a logistical task but also a celebration of the scientific, military, and research achievements that take place at the station throughout the year. 

Colonel Nacy, who also holds a Kentucky paramedic license and a bachelor’s degree in paramedicine, has worked in disaster zones across the world, including Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Ukraine. In 2022 he was nominated by Colonel JD Wilkes and commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his humanitarian work. Colonel Nacy continues to serve those in need, driven by his passion for helping others in times of crisis.