Pictured from left, Richard Miller - EMT, Tony Cochran - paramedic, Frank Abel - operations commander, Danny Lawson - chief, Eric Johnson - paramedic and John Tyler - EMT.
Bradley County EMS is celebrating its 40th year of service. Chief Danny Lawson said, "Bradley County Emergency Medical Service has come a long way over the past 40 years. We are very lucky to live in a community that has such dedicated men and women that put their lives on the line every day.
"From our humble beginning on Sept. 1, 1972 to now, it is amazing to see the advances that have taken place. We have seen our share of tragedy along the way as we remember the life and great times with paramedics Al McCollum and Greg Neely who both lost their lives in the line of duty.
"Bradley County EMS is proud to serve the citizens of Cleveland and Bradley County. We are grateful for the continued support from the people whom which we serve each and every day. Our goal on a daily basis is to be a true blessing in someone’s life. We are in the business of caring and making a difference.
"As we celebrate 40 years of providing the best pre-hospital care to our citizens we want to pause and remember one of the worst tragedies in our country’s history. Many lives were lost on 9/11/ 2001and we will never forget that terrible day. As we move forward it is exciting to anticipate the new advances forthcoming and continuing to provide a great service to this wonderful community."
A black and white clipping from the Cleveland Daily Banner with Ralph Buckner Sr. handing over the keys to one of the first ambulances to the first EMS Director Winford Howell.