A Mohawk Ambulance Service worker retires after 34 years of service. Madeleine Rivera has more on the special farewell for the long-time member.
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Marcus Beattie's voice is calm as he answers the phone. He has to be, this is his job. It's his voice thousands of people hear during an emergency call.
"I'm a dispatcher," he said.
It's position he's held at the Mohawk Ambulance Service for 34 years.
"You help people everyday. And, it's a really good organization to work for," he said.
Beattie said helping people wasn't the only perk of the job. All he had to do was look around to remind him why he loved the job.
"We became a family, especially the dispatchers because we work so closely together. We work long hours. We discuss everything," he said.
"We cook dinner together, we play cards together, we socialize. Kind of a different family," said Daniel Gilmore, Mohawk Ambulance Service director of operations.
But, Beattie said after 34 years, it was time for a new chapter.
"It's been a good time. But, I just want to start relaxing a little bit," he said.
On his last day of work, at Mohawk Ambulance, his work family showed him just how much they appreciated him. Cakes, well-wishes.
"He's always had a calm demeanor about him when he has been a dispatcher for us. It goes a long way. So, it's kind of bittersweet," said Jim McPartlon, co-owner of Mohawk Ambulance.
And, the final token of appreciation: a round of applause.
Beattie won't be back as a dispatcher. However, he said his workers at Mohawk Ambulance will hear his voice soon--their friendships likely to continue.