Members of the Tucker County Commission recognize the great work of the Tucker County EMS as they sign a proclamation declaring May 15 to 21 as National EMS Week. Pictured are back from left, Shayna L. Burdock, Assistant Director; Tia Gidley; Ann Filler; Kelly Fulton; and Larry Armbruster, Tucker County Ambulance Authority; front from left Commissioner Diane Hinkle; Commission President Lowell Moore; and Commissioner Patrick Darlington.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Tucker County EMS employees were honored Wednesday during the Tucker County Commission meeting. Commissioners said the proclamation was a week late because the EMS Week did not coincide with their meeting date, but said they wanted to recognize the EMS for their work.
The first EMS Week was celebrated in 1974 when President Gerald Ford authorized the week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do for communities. Back then, EMS was new and EMS practitioners had only started being recognized as an important part of emergency medicine and public health.
“We do thank you for the job you do,” Commission President Lowell Moore said.
Larry Armbruster of the Tucker County Ambulance Authority thanked the Commissioners for recognizing the EMS employees.
“There had been the possibility that this recognition would be made during a special meeting last week, but the decision was made to have this proclamation read and signed at a more public meeting so the appropriate recognition could be given to the EMS employees,” Armbruster said. “I want to thank the Commission for their assistance for doing this.”
Commissioner Diane Hinkle asked Armbruster to extend appreciation to all of the Tucker County Ambulance Authority members who volunteer their time.
Tucker County EMS employees and their years of service include Sheila Marsh with 35 years, Patrick Gray with 35 years, Sanford Green with 30 years, Mike Canfield with 20 years, Joe McNeer with 20 years, Janet Canon with 15 years, Janette Basil with 15 years, Ricky Rosier with 15 years, Angela Mitchell with 10 years, Tia Gidley with 10 years, Robert Howell with 10 years, Ann Filler with 5 years, Rick Filler with 5 years, Thomas Harper with 5 years, Jordan Hayes with 5 years, Shayna Burdock with 5 years, Steven Mitchell with 5 years, Robert Moyer with 5 years, Charlene Roy with 5 years, Brett Ware with 5 years, Joseph Strait with 2 years, Steven Sponaugle with 2 years, Patsy Phillips with 2 years, Scott Kennedy with 2 years, Shannon Harmon Kerr with 1 year, Camey Nestor with 6 months and Kelly Fulton with 6 months. Training officers for the Tucker County EMS are Lynda Gray and Tom Klus.