The Wheatland and Adjacent Districts Emergency Medical Services Association (WADEMSA) celebrated some career milestones at their Long Service awards ceremony.
The event was held at Origin Brewing, with catering done by Baldwin BBQ. Staff members handed out awards to those who had spent a significant time with the organization.
The awards included:
- 10 Years - Garren Dugan, Drew Turner, and Thomas Walker
- 15 Years - Jennifer Schafer
- 20 Years - Kristi Reid, Donna Hendricks
- 25 Years - Blaine Payne
- 30 years - Lorraine Mounkes
The ceremony also noted several retirements in the organization, with Hendricks and former director Rob Witty saying goodbye to WADEMSA.
Witty had been working with the group for the last 34 years.
"I pursued the paramedic program straight out of high school and worked for about 16 years before coming to Wheatland, and I'd been there ever since," said Witty. "I primarily started as the operations director. When the previous director had left and they were looking for one, so I applied and got the job."
By the time he retired, many of Witty's coworkers were the children of those he had worked with before.
"It was definitely a lot smaller and easier to manage. I think we had about 10, maybe 12 employees when I first started," added Witty. "We now have about 55 staff and three full time trucks staffed 24/7."
As for what comes next, Witty plans to golf more often and spend time with his family.
"We hope to do a little more travelling, and it's good. I'm going to take it easy and enjoy the retired life."
WADEMSA has been serving the community for over 30 years.