CABELL COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Cabell County EMS is celebrating 50 years of serving their community.
An appreciation cookout took place in Barboursville on Tuesday to honor the EMS employees and their families. Serving up hamburgers, hot dogs and a good time, the cookout had food and family-friendly activities, including a bouncy house.
“Out of us 22 original paramedics, there are now 10 of us that have passed away, and I was able to get four or five of us here today, and it’s a great feeling,” said retired paramedic Jim Scheidler. “I haven’t seen them in 50 years, so I think it’s good for all.”
Cabell County EMS has been providing services to Huntington and the surrounding communities since 1974. EMS Director Gordon Merry says they started with 24 employees and two ambulances. Throughout the years, they’ve grown to about 200 employees and 25 ambulances.