St. John Ambulance Goulds Superintendent and Unit Chief Gerry Antle (centre) is calling it a day after 35 years of service with the volunteer organization. St. John Ambulance and the Goulds Lions Club hosted an appreciation event last month in recognition of his many years of service. Flanking Antle are newly minted Division Unit Chief Jack Hearn, left, and Community Services Officer Josh Williams. St. John Ambulance photo
By Mark Squibb
Gerry Antle of the Goulds has retired from his position as St. John Ambulance Goulds Superintendent/Unit Chief after 35 years service with the volunteer group.
Antle began volunteering with St. John Ambulance as a young fellow and was instrumental in the formation of the Goulds chapter.
“There comes a time when you step aside and let somebody else take the reins,” said Antle. “I’ve enjoyed the last 35 years. I’ve watched the division grow, and I got a lot of gratification watching people come and go on to bigger and better things in their careers and knowing that I played a little bit of a part in that.”
Volunteers with St. John Ambulance provide onsite medical help during community events such as the Tely 10 road race and the Royal St. John’s Regatta.
Antle said members may be called upon to do anything from applying band aids to helping people undergoing cardiac arrests.
“We handle it all,” said Antle. “We train for it all… if anything happens, we deal with it and do what has to be done.”
Antle said one of the most rewarding things about being involved with St. John Ambulance has been watching young people who join the organization going on to pursue full-time careers in the medical field.
“Most young people come in and use this as a stepping stone to go on to bigger and better things in their career,” said Antle. “I can sit down all night and tell you success stories of people who have come through the organization… We’ve had five people who have gone on to become doctors. We’ve had numerous people come through and become nurses, paramedics, firefighters, that type of thing.”
The Goulds Lions Club hosted St. John Ambulance at a special event this May, with many paying tribute to Antle and his many years of service.
On hand for the event were new Division Unit Chief Jack Hearn and Community Services Officer Josh Williams, who will be working together to lead the Goulds chapter.
“They’re the right fellows to take it over,” said Antle. “They’re smart, and they know this business like the back of their hands. I’ve served my 35 years, and I’m delighted to pass it over to these two guys and let them take it to the next level.”
Antle is also a long serving member of the Goulds Volunteer Fire Department — 2025 marks 30 years with the department.
St. John Ambulance meanwhile boasts over 100,000 volunteers across Canada.
