By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
Friday marked a bittersweet occasion at the Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center (BMECC). Laura Williams, a dispatcher there for nearly 30 years, is retiring. The retirement party was hosted at the dispatch center on E. Washington St. and was well attended, not only by Williams’ friends and family, but also Barren County Sheriff Kent Keen, Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie, and Fire Chief William Rock.
Williams started after being referred to the position by Mike Swift, the late director over BMECC and Barren County Coroner.
“I can remember 27 years ago Mike came to me and said ‘I have a young lady looking for a job’ so he brings Laura in,” said Beverly Harbison, director for BMECC. “I watched her grow, saw her marry the love of her life, and witnessed her become the best dispatcher I’ve ever seen.”
Williams listened on as her co-workers and family shared their memories and love with the crowd, at one point radio static filled the room as the dispatchers announced to all units the retirement of a friend and mentor to many.
“I always thought I wanted to be an EMT,” Williams said. “I knew I wanted to help people, and when Mike brought me up here, I made a career out of it. It just grew on me, I mean, all of us work in a stressful environment and that brought us closer, These people are my family and I’m really going to miss it.”
Williams has no set plans for her newly found time, but does enjoy time on her family’s house boat through the Summer months. As the celebration came to a close, Williams promised to visit.
“They’re not going to get rid of me that easy,” she said with a laugh.
Comments