CLIMBING HILL, Iowa (KTIV) – He has served his community for more than four decades and now it’s time for a new chapter in life.
Siouxlanders and first responders gathered in Climbing Hill, Iowa, Thursday to celebrate the contributions and retirement of Woodbury County Emergency Services Director Gary Brown.
“It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve had the best of the best of careers. Any time you work with public safety, people that are involved in taking care of the human race, you’re working with the best of best. It’s been an amazing career. I’ve enjoyed the journey. But it’s time to turn the page and move on to the next chapter,” said Brown.
That next chapter includes spending time with family.
“I’ve got 5 grandkids. We plan to spend some serious time with the grandkids. Do some traveling. My wife and I love to jet ski, we’re going to spend some time jet skiing. We’re going to keep our home in Sioux City and we’re going to continue to live here in the county. So, we’re just looking forward to slowing down a little bit and having a little different lifestyle than we’ve had,” said Brown.
Brown has seen a thing or two during his tenure, most notably the crash of Flight 232 and what followed.
“It was an overwhelming response by the public safety community and an overwhelming response by the community itself. And we see that overtime that there’s a need in this community, the community comes together and tries to meet it. That’s been really rewarding to be a part of,” said Brown.
And for those who follow in his footsteps, Brown has one piece of advice.
“Patience first. Take care of the people first, worry about the politics second. Our whole crew out here has always been focused on patient care outcomes. And you can get caught up in a lot of things, but if you stay focused on the people we take care of. Alleviating suffering and pain and trying to save as many lives as possible. That’s my advice to anybody in this business, is patience first,” said Brown.