Captain Bill Ramsey was born and raised in Habersham County, graduating from Habersham Central High School in 1980, and dedicating his life to the public service of his community when he joined the Habersham Emergency Medical Service as an EMT in 1983. In his continued support for his district during his more than 36 years of service, he has saved lives, overcome challenges, and brought forth a legacy of public service.
Ramsey has served as an EMT, paramedic, volunteer firefighter, EMS supervisor, and captain. While his roles have shifted over the years, the position he finds himself in today amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is new ground. Battalion Chief Dwight McNally recalls Ramsey’s saying, “You never know what challenge we may face today.” In today’s climate, it couldn’t ring truer.
Ramsey is currently an essential part of the COVID-19 response on a daily basis, according to Battalion Chief Dwight McNally. “Whether it be a direct response to a call, orchestrating transports to proper facilities, keeping records in order, or any other need that arises, Bill is always there and ready,” he says.
“Bill is passionate about helping others in need. He is a widely respected leader in the public safety community,” McNally says. “Not even the current pandemic could break his drive to serve. He is a true asset to the emergency services team here in Habersham County. We are grateful for his continued commitment to public service and our ability to serve alongside him.”
In his years of public safety, setting an example for his children was one of his many priorities. “Growing up, his children would frequently visit the firehouse and EMS station,” says McNally. “It comes as no surprise that both of his children continue his legacy of service to their community through their work in the public service and medical professions.”
Ramsey’s children, Casey and Brittany, follow in their father’s footsteps of protecting their community. Casey serves as Division Chief of Emergency Management in Hall County, and Brittany is a physical therapist assistant at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
Ramsey has never been one to shy away from a challenge if it means helping others. In his first two years in emergency services, he obtained his paramedic license while working as an EMT, becoming one of four paramedics in Habersham county at the time. While still working full-time for Habersham’s emergency services, Ramsey joined the Clarkesville Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter.
“Bill is a steady and trusted supervisor, with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge, a true asset to this community, department, and to me personally,” says Chad Black, Habersham County Emergency Services Director, who has worked alongside Ramsey for over 30 years. “[He is] a legacy for this service/department and committed to providing the citizens with professional and trusted service.”
