A local doctor is inspired to serve his community after one of the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. history...and he gets to ride in the La Crosse County's toughest vehicles to do it.

By day, Dr. Ward Brown is a cardiologist at Gundersen Lutheran hospital in La Crosse. But in this doctor's spare time he races around with some of the toughest in the county.

"The tactical medicine training that we had by Heckler and Koch and by other agencies has you learn how to interact with an Emergency Response Team or SWAT team," says Brown.

Brown served in the Marines for a short time and after seeing the World Trade Center in New York City attacked in 2001, he decided he wanted to do more then just help sick people at his hospital.

"I was very upset like a lot of people and tried to figure out ways to provide additional service."

Brown practices tactical medicine with the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department. He also trains with the County Emergency Response Team, including joining the team in their bearcat.

"We were actually involved in the firefights, and people were armed and shooting… and people were concerned about injuries to themselves and other team members."

La Crosse County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jeff Wolf works with Brown and says he's one of the most important team members.

"We have a physician that has the capability to go one step above and beyond to offer guidance to the other EMS workers."

He says Brown's expertise is always appreciated.

"Not only to provide medical attention to our team members should one of them become injured, as well to citizens or suspects."

Brown says one of the best parts of his job is just being around the emergency response guys. But what he really loves is the excitement of a new experience.

"They're an excellent group and I love working with them. I certainly have variety in things you're exposed to."

Brown trains twice a month with the County Emergency Response Team.