At the County Commission meeting on Monday, August 15, EMA Director Robert Farris, who has served in that position for almost 40 years, was recognized and presented a plaque for his service to the county and all its people.
Wayne County 911 Director Jimmy Turnbow presented the plaque to Farris, and spoke very highly of him during the presentation.
“Robert has served Wayne County as EMA Director for almost 40 years, and did it all without asking for a penny of salary. He brought us from the days of using CB radios for communication to the days of actually having an emergency radio network.
“Through hard work and grants, Robert was the one who purchased the first Jaws of Life unit in Wayne County, and set out to ensure that we had personnel that were trained to use them.
“Robert started and taught the First Responder program that assists EMS with calls in the south part of the county, and for many years, was the one voice you could always count on to answer the page.
“Outside of his EMA duties, Robert has also served Wayne County and its citizens for more than 30 years by working at the Ambulance Service, first as a driver and then going on to earn his paramedic certification.
“In my 30 years in Emergency Services in Wayne County, Robert and I have worked with four different sheriffs, five different County Executives, six EMS Directors, and 12 different police chiefs. That I can remember, there have been five tornadoes and four major floods that have affected our county, and there is no way of knowing how many fires, car accidents, and other emergencies that have happened. During a disaster, I have personally seen Robert go 24 hours or more without sleep to ensure that everything was up and running and that needs were being met.
“So tonight with your blessings, I would like to present this plaque to Mr. Robert Farris in recognition of his many years of service and dedication to the citizens of Wayne County.”
Turnbow went on to ask for Farris’ radio call number 184 to be retired. The commission agreed to adopt a resolution that officially requires the call number 184 to be retired in honor of Robert Farris and all he has done for Wayne County.
