By Stephen Smoot
“I’m happy to see this large crowd,” said Tina Eye, president of the Pendleton County Rescue Squad, as she addressed a crowd of slightly less than 100. They came out to share food, fellowship, and just a few shenanigans as they celebrated another year of working together and providing service to Pendleton County.
After asking PCER members of all categories to stand and be recognized, Eye invited attendees to make their way to the buffet-style dinner.
Most of the food came from Buffalo Snow catering. They satisfied the hunger of those in attendance with grilled chicken breast, breaded pork with gravy, green beans, salad, rolls, and other items, including a selection of desserts.
Dr. Justin Spratt also contributed to the bounty, adding to his “Medical Director” hat one of brisket smoking. Two state level emergency services officials came as well. Those included Joseph “Jody” Ratliff, keynote speaker and director of West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Ratliff rose through the Roane County Rescue Squad to assume his current role. Mike Alt, training officer for PCER jokingly stated that he “didn’t know what to think when he rolled in on a Harley-Davidson,” but all agreed that Ratliff has served as a tremendous advocate and asset for rural emergency services since he took the position in 2022.
Ratliff stood and said, “We don’t have a stoplight in our county, so when it comes to rural EMS, this is what I know.” He added that he always keeps in mind those who run calls in the middle of the night and in the middle of nowhere and work on their needs.
“I don’t know how to be a city medic. I never was one,” he shared.
David Wellard represented the West Virginia Public Service Training office. He shared that his agency had worked to introduce more efficiency into the process for those needing certificates quickly after completing classes.
“If you see something you don’t like or don’t understand . . . just call me,” shared Wellard. He went on to add that many issues that cause frustration stem originally from government regulations.
Both Wellard and Ratliff urged those in attendance to call any time of any day or night if they needed assistance.
Spratt also echoed that sentiment when he rose to speak.
The centerpiece of the evening revolved around recognizing service.
First, Eye expressed appreciation for a set of personnel who covered shifts while others went to Pipestem State Park Resort for training.
Those receiving five-year service pins included Michael Caltibiano, Ruby Crown, Robert Davis, and Thomas Faust.
John Mullens received a pin for 10 years of service.
Those who have given 20 years include Jeremy Hedrick, Richard Nelson, and Wes Puffenbarger.
Sue Alt has provided 25 years of service, and Clinton Bowers was shown tremendous appreciation for the 45 years he has spent helping to save lives in Pendleton County.
Eye then shared the number of calls run per person in 2024.
Crown had 51, Amberley Bennett 52, Dennis Knicely 61, Doug Rupe 71, Amanda Mowery 94, James Ryan 95, Eye 172, Mark Verdoni 179, Alt 186, Bob Grimm 203, and Will Hedrick 207.
Kim Hulmes topped the list with service on 375 calls.
Eye herself received a special award as her fellow PCER personnel gently joked with her about a mishap on a call that caused more hilarity than harm. She was slowly and carefully outfitted with repelling equipment by colleagues who thoroughly enjoyed the fun.
At the close of the evening, all went out into the night as darkness fell on a gray evening with powerful storms on the approach. Some prepared for an evening’s rest. Others prepared to answer whatever call might come.
