Patti Dozier/Times-EnterpriseMike Taylor, Ochlocknee Fire/Rescue lead paramedic and firefighter, and Ochlocknee paramedic/firefighter Chris Wynn remove a stretcher from the newly-based ambulance shortly after Taylor called the vehicle into service. 

OCHLOCKNEE — Excited was a word used repeatedly Tuesday morning to describe the presence of Ochlocknee’s first ambulance at the town’s fire/rescue station on Ga. 3.

After several Thomas County officials spoke, Mike Taylor, lead paramedic and a firefighter at the Ochlocknee station, contacted 911 via radio and called the ambulance into service.

“!0-4,” a 911 dispatcher responded.

“This is something that’s been a long time coming,” Thomas County Commission Chairman Ken Hickey told the crowd gathered at Ochlocknee Fire/Rescue.

The chairman said he was excited for the county to be better able to serve residents in need with quicker responses and improved service.

Chris Wynn, an Ochlocknee firefighter/paramedic, said that previously, first responders from the fire/rescue facility provided on-site care while an ambulance came from Thomasville.

“It’s going to be a huge advantage to the citizens when it comes to advanced care,” Wynn said.

Hickey, a former volunteer firefighter, said he was a member of the county’s first first-responder class. He expressed excitement that Boston and Coolidge fire/rescue stations will receive ambulances in the next two years.

“We’ve had this day in our windshield for many years now,” said Thomas County Fire/Rescue Chief Chris Jones.

Tim Coram, Thomas County Emergency Medical Services director, said he did not think an ambulance being assigned to a rural fire/rescue station would happen in his lifetime.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the direction we’re taking,” County Manager Mike Stephenson said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820