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EMS: Courage and Compassion in Action: A Chapter Completed

By Shawn Godfrey - December 24, 2007

Shawn Godfrey
Today I will put the pen down. Sadly, this is my 42nd and final EMS: Courage and Compassion in Action column after nearly a year or 60,000 words of so-called business wisdom.

It is time.

I'm going to try and live up to a resolution for this upcoming New Year and finally start writing my book. For the past couple of years, each New Year's Eve has had me saying "this will be the year; this will be the year."

Well, with the muse's presence at full strength, this is, no doubt, the year. I can feel it.

Writing this column has been a wonderful journey and I owe many thanks to you — the readers.

I have been told that many people have found the column comprehensive and useful, and it means a lot to me to know that there are people who now truly understand that a career in emergency medical services is more than simply driving an ambulance.

Also, the regular feedback from dozens of you has been wonderful, especially in real times of crisis in my own personal life. It is what kept me motivated from week to week, I can assure you.

My overall goal with the column was to make socially taboo and often daunting topics into something interesting and informative that would cater to both the layperson (many of you) and the dedicated men and women involved in the emergency services vocation, whether it be law enforcement, fire services or emergency medicine.

I must confess, writing the column required a delicate and, yet often, difficult balance in order to achieve an intelligible dichotomy. Based on your responses, I feel I've succeeded.

I want to thank Susan Bush, former iBerkshires.com editor, for offering me encouragement to start the column and help with making my earlier work reader friendly.

I also want to thank my 11-year-old son, Jared, for enduring endless nights of me sitting at the computer and merely nodding yes and no at whatever questions he posed, no matter what the correct answer.

Many thanks to the current iBerkshires.com staff, especially Jen Thomas and Tammy Daniels, for supporting my work and encouraging me to continue writing.

Finally, thanks to you for reading, responding to, and critiquing the column. Truth is you haven't read the final word from me, but for now, as we say in the business, I'm 10-7.

Editor's Note: While we're very sad to see Shawn's column end, we wish him all the best in his latest literary endeavor. We hope he will return, even if only occasionally, to iBerkshires.com in the future.
Your Comments
Post Comment
Shawn,

We really enjoyed your'e column and will miss it!!

Good luck with your book.
from: Becket Ambulance Dept.on: 12-25-2007

Shawn -

Just a note to let you know I have enjoyed reading your column. I think you are a talented young man and I am looking forward to reading your book.

Good luck with your endeavors.
from: John McMasteron: 12-25-2007

Shawn,
You have done an out standing job on your column here on iberkshire.com. I wish you luck on the book you are working on. Keep up great job for 2008!!
from: Paul Valloneon: 12-25-2007

Shawn, it has been a good road since that day we met. I hope that your path takes you to where you want to go and that you will be successful and that you get what you need. Your column was always a great read from week to week. I am glad that I took the time to read what you worked so hard to gather and print for all of us out there. If you need any support from Ambulance Inc./Midnight Medicine let me know and we will figure it out.
Good luck and I hope that I am one of the privileged ones that gets a signed copy of the book!!!
Good luck and all the best.
from: Midnight Medicineon: 12-25-2007

Shawn I have enjoyed all the articles you wrote that I was able to read. Not only are you a good writer but a good friend to talk with at work too. I'm looking foward to reading your book when it arrives. Happy Holidays to J-man and you. Keep on writing.
from: Beakeron: 12-24-2007

Shawn,

Your columns have been quite enjoyable and I will miss reading them. Best of luck with your book and you can bet, when it's done, I'll be seeing ya at the book signing!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Tara
from: Taraon: 12-24-2007

I will miss reading your column shawn...Good Luck with your book. Please let us know so we can follow your progress..I know you can do it, and you will do great!
from: MissyZon: 12-24-2007

Congrat's Shawn although sorry to see this end. Your killing me here with the book after what I just went through at school!! :) Thanks for your help....good luck with everything.

Carrie
from: Carrieon: 12-24-2007

Shawn it will be sad not to read your column each and every Monday. I wish you the best in writing your book, but hope that we can still read an occassional column or update on how the book is coming along.
from: Joe - Williamstownon: 12-24-2007



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