HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Terry David wraps up a 34-year career as chief of Reno County EMS this week. A reception was held for David Thursday to celebrate his long career.

David started his EMS career in 1985 with Reno County EMS. Ten years later, he was recruited to direct Rice County Emergency Medical Services in Lyons. In 2016, David returned to Hutch Regional for a three-year stint as chief of Reno County EMS.

During the past three years, David has overseen a number of improvements in the department including improved quality of services, additional training for personnel and an increase in staff to handle the growing need for EMS services in Reno County.

David said he will miss the association with what he calls a passionate group of dedicated healthcare professionals along with interaction with patients and their family members. Reno County EMS operates with a staff of 36 full-time employees and nine part-time employees. In 2018, EMS responded to more than 7,000 calls, a nearly 300% increase from David’s early days with Reno County EMS.

Terry and his wife, Erna, will continue to reside in Lyons. David will remain active in emergency medical organizations as a member of the board of directors for the National Emergency Medical Training organization where he will travel nationwide to instruct EMS training seminars. Also, he will remain a member of the Kansas Hospital Association EMS Committee and the EMS Advisory Council at Hutchinson Community College.