This Tuesday, let’s introduce Phil Halley!
I grew up in Versailles, KY during what most kids today would consider the dark ages (read, pre-internet and VR headsets and only 8-bit video games). Life was good and we would all get shooed outside for the day. I attended Woodford Co. High School and graduated there before we relocated to Lexington, KY. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Political Science. My first true career path was Law Enforcement. I was employed by the City of Georgetown and enjoyed a 20+ year career within a professional police organization (Georgetown Police Department). I obtained the rank of Lieutenant and participated in a number of specialized units. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to do something new and different while I was able. A new adventure if you will, because even though I loved my people and work environment, I felt compelled to take on a new challenge. Thus, I started with Georgetown Scott County EMS in November of 2019. I am married to the love of my life and have four amazing kids…well, two adult kids and two kiddos if we are counting years. We live in Georgetown and have done so for almost 20 years now.
Where are you originally from?
Versailles, KY
What are your hobbies, interests, etc?
I enjoy firearms related activities, reloading, current events, being a DIY’er (don’t profess to be a pro though!), and being outdoors when circumstances permit.
How did you become interested/get started in EMS?
I have long had a passing interest in the field of EMS. I’ve lived the life of a first responder and have had ample opportunity to come into contact with and even work directly with members of GSCEMS. As prior Commander of GPD’s SRT, we worked directly with members of EMS who acted as our TEMS units. This, as much as anything else, spurred my interest in becoming an EMT.
What brought you to Georgetown?
I have worked for the City of Georgetown in the past. This afforded me the opportunity to become familiar with the current and previous EMS directors and others while they still worked the street. Familiarity, and an appreciation for the professionalism that I observed in them and their crews, imbued in me the desire to work in an environment in which I was at least somewhat familiar.
What is your position at GSCEMS?
I am an EMT
What is your favorite thing about EMS/your job?
I get to interact with members of the community as well as members of other first response agencies. I still feel as though I get to do something that matters when people are having a difficult time. Additionally, I am always learning something new which keeps things interesting.
What is one thing currently that you would change about EMS as a whole?
I work with good people in a good work environment, and perhaps the only thing I would see differently are the hours (12s in lieu of 24s). However, this is something I knew I was getting into in advance.
What is one place in Scott County that you would take a visitor?
Depends upon what they like. If they like biking, then the Skull Buster Mountain Bike trail. If they like to shoot, Kleeber WMA. If they like to fish, well…we have the Elkhorn and various lakes. If they like horses…well, how many places do they want to see? Or, we can just relax at the house on the veranda.
