Honorees

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Year Honored
2008
Honoree
Woodford 'Woody' King
Agency
Richland County EMS
Agency City
Lexington
Agency State
SC
Last Call
8/5/06
Cause of Death
On-duty Cardiac
Biography
"He was a passionate caregiver who is responsible for saving thousands of lives," department director Michael Byrd stated. "He was such a good guy, a loyal paramedic, and devoted to his job of helping others," he stated. Woody is one of those special people who were born with a special gift of saving lives, and that's what he did. He had an easy-going spirit that people responded well to; he will be missed.<br /> <br /> Woodford "Woody" King, 42, of Irmo, South Carolina died in the line of duty on August 5, 2006. He responded as back-up to a paramedic crew who was in the process of treating a patient at the scene of a stabbing incident. The scene had cleared with the patient en route to the hospital when Woody collapsed. Paramedics began lifesaving procedures on Woody and were transporting him to the hospital. However, all attempts at saving one of their own were lost.<br /> <br /> Mr. King was a 22-year employee with the Richland County Emergency Service. While in high school he knew what he wanted to do; he was fascinated by sirens and emergency response. Once out of school he went straight to Richland EMS Department where he was hired.<br /> <br /> "He always had a grin on his face, was cool even in stressful situations, and Woody was very good in difficult situations," stated Captain Doug Maness. Work will always be here, but it will not be the same without Woody. He is one of those guys who will be missed for a long time.<br /> <br /> Honored 2008