London Ambulance Service hosted an emotional ceremony yesterday (6 October) to celebrate the dedication of over 200 colleagues, who together have given over 5,400 years of service.
Colleagues with more than 20, 30 or 40 years of service were presented with medals or medallions at the Emmanuel Centre for their contribution to the capital, in front of their peers and loved ones.
The ceremony brought people together from across the organisation, including those working in ambulances, control rooms and behind the scenes.
The event welcomed special guest Colonel Jane Davis, who was there to represent the Royal Family. Col. Davis presented the medals alongside London Ambulance Service Chief Executive Jason Killens, KAM. Jason was joined on stage by Chair Andy Trotter, Chief Medical Officer Fenella Wrigley, and Chief Financial Officer Rakesh Patel.
Speaking at the event, Jason Killens said:
“Being able to celebrate over 5,400 years of service today is a fantastic achievement. I hope you have found today’s celebration truly enjoyable and feel rightly proud of your careers serving the capital at London Ambulance Service. Thank you for all you have done.”
Among the honourees was Carrlean Chang, who during her 20 years of service has worked her way up to General Manager of Call Handling after starting her career answering 999 calls. After the ceremony, Carrlean reflected on this journey:
“I started off taking calls and now I’m responsible for all the call handlers in London. Today is recognition for the hard work that goes into the job, My role is extremely rewarding, I go home each night knowing I did my job well and I’ve made a difference to the people of London.”
Stuart Crichton, the current Director of 999 Emergency Operation Centres was celebrating 35 years of service. Stuart said:
“I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years. I’ve been there through some of London’s triumphs and its tragedies; those are the moments that really stick in the mind. I feel so proud to work for London Ambulance Service. It’s an amazing organisation and I like to think I’ve made a difference to the lives of Londoners and my colleagues.”
Business Support Manager Michelle Michael plays an integral role in the Communications Department. Michelle, who was celebrating 30 years of service, said:
“My colleagues do amazing work caring for Londoners, and it is incredibly rewarding to work for a department that promotes and celebrates the service we provide to the public.”
Andre Elbourne-Lebrun, a Business Support Manager within the Operations Team, joined the service in 1991 and reflected on how the organisation has changed and developed over the years:
“I have seen incredible changes; the paramedic role has changed massively. They are now autonomous healthcare professionals in their own right. There have also been amazing advancements in cardiac treatment, which have increased survival rates in the capital.”
Jason Killens also honoured the retired colleagues in attendance:
“I would also like to say a big thank you to our retired colleagues. They would have seen a lot of change and gained a lot of knowledge during their years of service. I am sure some of that knowledge would have rubbed off on your colleagues here today.”