The Ending of an Era

     August 2006 I went to interview for my first paying medic job.  I had already been offered a part time position with a neighboring agency and I was anxious for this interview.  I was also still waiting on my state results since I had recently taken the state exam.  I bombed that interview.  I walked out of there feeling like an idiot and was pretty sure I wouldn't be hearing anything from them.  A short time later I received the letter in the mail.  Again another part time offer.  I was starting to think that I'd never find a full time job.

     I will never forget when I got the call.  My partner and I were working at the airport and were washing our unit when my phone rang.  I abandoned my partner long enough to take the call.  It was the chief and he offered me a full time spot.  After I got off the phone with him, I was in complete shock and told my partner what had happened.  He suggested that I take it since I didn't have any other offers.  Looking back at it now I really need to thank him.  Thanks Donovan.  You don't know how that push really changed my life.

     I remember my first shift at Clayton Area Rescue.  I felt like a fish out of water.  I was in a different county than where I had trained.  My only sanity rested in a coworker whom I also worked with at the volunteer agency.  She has since gone on to work for a local PD.  I miss you Lindsay :)

     I have been at Clayton since October 2006 and this past Monday we were informed that in a few short months, the county will be coming in and assuming operations.  I have met a lot of good people during my time here.  I've made friends, enemies and everything in between.  I've watched the changing of the guard a few times and I've had the privilege of working with some of the best folks around.  I am truly going to miss the family atmosphere and seeing the god awful ugly orange trucks roaming the town.  I want to thank each member of Clayton Area EMS that I have had the privilege of working with past and present for the memories.  I never thought I'd see the day that the county would come in and take over.

     These next few months won't feel the same.  Everyone is a little down now.  We all are still processing and wondering what the next step is.  I keep telling everyone to keep your head up.  Advice I need to follow as well.  Let's stick together.  Keep our heads held high.  Let's leave knowing that we've done the best job we could and that unfortunately the actions of some have brought this upon us.

     I want to give special thanks first to Josh.  You believed in me and pushed for me to get hired.  Stefan, you took a chance on a brand new, scared medic and you have done good by me and my family over the years.  I know we don't talk very often now but I do consider you and Deidra friends.  Jason, you unknowingly have been a mentor of mine.  We sometimes would lock horns but in the end we always get past the crap.  Dale, you were my link to sanity and I loved working shifts with you.  It was nice to see a friendly face from the big neighboring county.  Lindsay, Emily, Candler, Justin, Zack, and Chris, you guys were my favorites to work with.  We always had a really good time; times I have missed for a long time.  

     I am going to miss walking through those doors with a relaxed vibe.  I will miss the late nights, practical jokes and the family first attitude.  I will miss the FDs that I've worked with over the years.  Goodbye Clayton Area EMS.  I will always hold a special place in my heart for this place.