Even life in retirement promises much involvement for Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department Chief Steve Simon, who turns in his gear at the end of February, after more than 30 years of service as a paramedic and firefighter.
“I’ve got a week off, then I’m going to Western Virginia EMS Council,” Simon said. “It’s a good fit.”
Simon starts a new full-time job in March as executive director for the Western Virginia EMS Council, where he served 17 years on the regional nonprofit’s board.
“I still feel like I have an opportunity to give, but my phone won’t ring at two in the morning,” Simon said. “I don’t expect to work every Saturday and Sunday.”
As executive director, Simon will guide the nonprofit’s efforts to provide training, planning and protocol development for first responders in the western part of the state. The council also administers drug boxes in ambulances, and works with hospitals to provide a quality overall EMS system, Simon said.