Johnson City, TN.Hello there. I have recently returned from Johnson City and wanted to tell you all a little bit about my trip. I had to get up at 4:00AM…that’s right AM. After grabbing my coffee and being met by my driver, I was well on my way. My driver’s name was Gil, and he was quite nice by the way. After a bumpy ride to Johnson City, on a prop plane where several passengers found it necessary to use their provided “barf-bag,” I arrived and was met by Shane Dingus. We then headed over to the hotel. That evening I had dinner at “The Firehouse” with several firefighters and paramedics. We took several photos and we all enjoyed ourselves a great deal. Thanks to Tom Seaton, the owner. The next day started with an autograph signing with vendors only. Of course, some familiar faces greeted me. The ‘GAGE’ and ‘USAR’ girls attended. There was even a group that traveled all the way from SEATTLE! After, I returned to my room where I tried desperately to get in a quick snooze, (I failed). At 3:00pm I made my way to the conference room to deliver my speech promoting fire-based EMT. The room was filled with approximately 300 people. It gave me a nice feeling to see so many people in attendance. Immediately following my speech, I signed for approximately 2 hours. Thank you all for being so patient with me. It was great to meet you all and see your smiling faces. That evening Shane and I were invited to dinner with some of his colleagues: Allen Taylor, Director of Washington County EMS, several city councilmen and women, EMS Chaplin, Mathew Barber, and others. Thanks again for a wonderful evening! Oh, and by the way. …Thanks to all who assisted in getting me back into my room. That’s right, I conveniently locked myself out!! It was pretty funny watching 8 paramedics, security personnel and a maintenance man - all try to figure out the best way to open my door. I did finally get to sleep that evening. Next, I’ve included some photos. Here we are in Johnson City, Tennessee “Where is that?” you might ask. Well, Johnson City is in the extreme eastern end of Tennessee, near the North Carolina & Virginia state lines. Wonderful people abound in that neck of the woods, and I do mean “woods.” The Forests run on for hundreds of miles in that area. It is a beautiful place. Unfortunately, I only have 3 pictures to prove I was actually there! (The batteries in my camera died after 3 shots.) 1. This is me during my speech (the guy in the white shirt and balding head on the left - seems to be the only one in focus. He must have been related to the guy that took the photo). 2. This was the right side of the audience. Maybe some of you can pick yourselves out in this picture. 3. The left side of the audience. (The woman in the white on the left side of the picture - looks as if she really liked my jokes). Finally, I would really like to commend and thank Shane Dingus Paramedic/SAR team member, for his Herculean effort in putting on this event and getting me there in one piece. Through him I met a great bunch of down to earth guys (& Gals) Thanks, Shane. Randy In Randy’s next ‘Great Adventure’, look for the Code 3 presentation of the Squad & Engine 51 at Station 127 (Home of Johnny & Roy). …Stay tuned.
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