02-02-2012 – Hank Williamson’s Retirement Dinner

After 44 years of providing emergency medical care to others, Firefighter-Paramedic Henry “Hank” Williamson has retired. Hank worked for Colleton County since the late 1990’s in a part-time capacity with the former EMS Department and came on full-time in 2004 as that department was integrated into Fire-Rescue. Having no mountain to high to climb, the 63 year old Paramedic obtained Firefighter II certification and ran circles around many of his counter parts. He was always a loyal and caring professional, who placed the well being of others above everything else.

Born in England, Hank moved to the US as a child. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam as a combat medic and upon his honorable discharge, did the most sensible thing and began working in the new EMS field that was rapidly being developed in communities throughout the US during the 1970s. He worked for many services in the Lowcountry of SC over the past three decades, treating the sick and injured and teaching the new guys the trade.

He married his wife Cici and lives in Cottageville. They plan on caring for their many animals as Hank writes a book about his life experiences. He plans on speaking to groups about his career and assisting others cope with the stress of the job.

The entire “A” shift attended the surprise dinner in his honor held at Logan’s Restaurant in Summerville. Several former partners were also in attendance. Hank received several awards for his service, while fellow crewmembers constructed a shadow box containing a patch from every agency where Hank had worked and photos of his work in Colleton County. He was presented with a plaque recognizing his contributions to the community and his old firefighter’s helmet with a new shield stating 44 years of service. The presentation was completed with a salute from “A” shift.

We wish him the best of luck with this new chapter of his life. He will be greatly missed.