Hamilton County EMS worker honored for 40+-years of service…and he’s not done
The Chattanooga Elks Lodge honors Charles P.B. "Scobey" Newman for his over 40 years of service for Patriot Day
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
It’s also Patriot Day. A time when America honors those who were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Some of those people were first responders.
Locally, the Elks Lodge honored an emergency services worker for his 40-plus years of service to Hamilton County.
Charles “Scobey” Newman says he understands it takes a special person to meet people at their worst times on their worst days…and he’s proud to do it.
“I’ve developed a skill set and an opportunity to provide where there is need. The opportunity is one that should be seized by everyone, but everyone’s not suited for this job.”
Newman began his career in the late 1970’s as a first responder in his hometown of Sweetwater, Tennessee. By 1988, Newman moved to Hamilton County, and started at Erlanger before moving on to the county’s emergency medical service. His co-workers, colleagues and bosses speak highly of his dedication to service.
Lt. Stacie Liles with the Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services: “He is great. He is great to his patients. He’s caring. He’s compassionate, and he takes time out with people that he works with, and teaches them. He’s always been a teacher, whether you’re on the call or outside in the classroom.”
Newman’s boss, Director of Hamilton County EMS John Miller, adds, “He’s the one everyone has looked up to for years. I started in this business in the late ’80’s, and, even then, Scobey was one of those guys. Everybody wanted to be like Scobey. Very smart. Very good provider. Cares about people. There’s countless people walking the Earth today due to Scobey Newman.”
Newman considers himself an unassuming guy. That’s a great trait to have when your life’s work is about saving lives.
“It’s not about us. It’s about our patients. And, as long as you keep that attitude, then things will always work to the good. I have had a sense of satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, and, although it’s really not enumerated as well as it should be, it’s enough. And, if you’re willing to work, if you’re willing to do the hours, if you’re willing to care for the patients, then it’s worth every bit of it.”
The Elks Club hosted seven different agencies, and fed 65 first responders during the event in Newman’s behalf.
Newman says it felt great to be honored, but he’s not thinking about retirement just yet.
He told me he still has at least a couple years left in him to continue helping the people of Hamilton County.
