MONTROSE, MI -- Volunteer Montrose firefighter Scott McDowell isn't letting the fact that he lost both of his legs to an infection slow him down.

McDowell, 38, has been cleared to fight fires and became a certified paramedic less than 18 months after becoming a double amputee.

Life changed for McDowell on May 22, 2011, after doing outdoor work around his family’s home. After spending the day outside, he went to work at Twin Township Ambulance, but was eventually sent home sick.

Little did he know that he would be in and out of hospitals for nearly the next two months battling a mystery infection that eventually claimed both of his legs just below the knee.

Doctors still do not know what caused the infection.

"I would like to know but I'm ok with not knowing," McDowell said of the mystery disease. "I focused on what I can do instead of what happened."

And what McDowell can do is help people -- lots of people.

McDowell continues to work with the Flint Area Amputee Support Team by doing post-operation visits with new amputees.

Nathan Kapa, of Bremer Prosthetic, said that McDowell's recovery and the help he's given to other amputees has been an inspiration.

"He's been remarkable," said Kapa.

Carolyn Birchmeier, operation manager for Twin Township Ambulance, agreed.

"He's been an inspiration to all of us," Birchmeier said. "We don't have any bad days when we think about Scott."

McDowell said he shows children his new legs when they are being transported in his ambulance to help take their mind off of their own medical problems.

"They kind of forget what they have going on," McDowell said. "It really helps reassure them."

After his amputations, McDowell was resigned to operating the fire department's radios but was eventually cleared to drive a firetruck following his surgery. Less than a month ago, he was certified to begin fighting fires again.

While many may look at losing both of their legs as a tragedy, McDowell said he feels the amputations have been a blessing by allowing him to better serve people in the community.

"So much good has come out of this," McDowell said. "The door of opportunity has opened to help so many more people."