Paramedic Sheila says farewell (From Echo)

Paramedic Sheila says farewell

3:00am Wednesday 2nd December 2009 in News By Laura Smith

THE first female paramedic in Southend has retired after 34 years of dedicated service.

Hard-working Sheila Davies said farewell to her East of England Ambu- lance Service colleagues who she worked with at the depot in Short Street.

They tucked into a cake in the shape of an ambulance and drank some champagne to toast her retirement.

“I think it’s the right time to go,” said Sheila. “I’ve given 34 years and have been lucky throughout to have such great crew mates.

“I think I’ll miss the people the most. The job has changed so much over the years, but the people have always been a constant.

“I’m looking forward to taking it easy, chilling out when I want to, and walking the dog, but I’m also going to miss the job and will keep in touch with people.”

Sheila joined the service in November 1975, after moving from her native Wales to south-east Essex, but has finally decided to take a step back from front-line work.

Simon Eatheron, local assistant general manager, said: “I’m proud as a general manager to have had Sheila working in our area, looking after our people and we will miss her.

“She’s reliable, consistent and she’s always there for people.”