GREEN RIVER — Joyce Virginia Patterson served as an Intermediate Emergency Medical Technician for thirty-nine years. Her coworkers and fellow emergency responders honored her in a funeral procession recently.

Fellow EMT Cheryl Melvin recalled her favorite memories of Joyce, “She was the kindest most caring person. She was the longest running intermediate-EMT in the state of Wyoming. When police, fire, transport drivers saw her pull up on scene they felt at ease knowing everything was going to be ok. She helped train me on the job on my first days. I was nervous and she always told me ‘everything will be ok. Just do the best you know how’. She was a calming soul and always, always smiled not matter what pain she was in. Everything about her is what people should inspire to be.”

Melvin recalled a fire call she and Joyce went on, “The call was on Interstate 80 and the road was full of fire trucks and police cars so Joyce pulled into the first opening. “I went to get out and noticed we were right on the spot where the small fire was. I said, Joyce, I think we are on the fire. She just got the biggest grin and said ‘who needs a fire extinguisher? I think we just put it out’. Always so calm in an emergency.”

Three ambulances from Castle Rock Ambulance Service accompanied the ambulances from Sweetwater Medics, Lincoln County, Farson/Eden Ambulance Service and Sublette County Emergency Medical Services.

Law Enforcement agencies were also represented in the procession, they included the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Green River Police Department, Rock Springs Police Department and Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office.

Green River Fire Department, Rock Springs Fire Department, and Sweetwater County Fire District Number trucks as well.