First responders form strong bonds.

For Chris Hancock and Austin Border, that bond runs deeper. Hancock, a critical care paramedic at West Georgia Ambulance with over 24 years’ experience in public safety, and Border, a firefighter engineer at Carroll County Fire Rescue, share more than just a professional connection — they’re also father and son.

What sets them apart is that this dynamic duo works the same shift and responds to calls together.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Hancock.

“Growing up, looking up to my dad my whole life, I never actually thought I’d be able to stand beside him one day doing the same job,” said Border. “Now to be in that position, it’s a feeling like no other.”

Hancock’s passion for firefighting was ignited at 15 when he witnessed a wood fire while riding home from school with his mother.

“I asked her to stop,” said Hancock. “I then asked the firemen if I could help them. They put me to work pulling hoses and asked if I wanted to be a fireman. I told them I didn’t know anything about it, but I wound up joining the volunteer fire department and fell head over heels in love with it.”

Border, on the other hand, grew up at the fire station, inspired by his father’s commitment to saving lives.

 “Every single day he was on shift, we’d go out there to eat dinner with him,” said Border. “I grew up seeing the trucks and meeting the people. I’d watch him get up and respond to calls and hear the stories. It was my whole life.”

After a decade in fire rescue, Hancock pursued a career as a paramedic, joining EMS companies in Carroll County and surrounding areas, working his way up to management.

Meanwhile, in 2019 after high school graduation, Border joined the Haralson County Fire Department, later adding a shift at Carroll County in 2022.

In 2023, Hancock decided to return to the field full-time and seized the opportunity to return to West Georgia Ambulance. The best part? He would be working the same shift as his son.

Serving on the same shift and zone allows Border and Hancock to support each other on every call. Whether it’s a fire or medical call, they are there to provide care and assistance.

Their partnership shone during a harrowing recent 911 call involving a pre-teen who had been injured by a chainsaw. West Georgia Ambulance took charge, with Carroll County Fire Rescue providing assistance.

“It was like we’d been working together 10 years,” said Hancock. “Within 10 to 12 minutes, we had everything secured and the patient stabilized and ready for transport to helicopter.”

The family tradition of sharing dinner during their shifts continues, as their stations are less than a half-mile apart. The sense of togetherness brings them comfort, knowing they always have each other’s backs.

“Once I confirmed that we were actually going to be working together, that sealed the deal,” said Hancock. “It’s not like I’ve got to worry, but if anything happens, then I have that security that I’m going to be the one who’s going to be there to make sure it’s OK.”

“I love being able to get up every day and do the work that I do with my dad,” said Border. “We’re side-by-side, helping each other. It’s a good feeling.”

With Hancock and Border on the frontlines, their commitment, support and expertise ensure that no call goes unanswered.