A rock and a role-model: one team’s thanks to retiree John

Most people open presents or have a spot of cake to celebrate their birthday, but John Giblin decided to buck the trend back in 2002 and start a new job. Luckily for us, that job was in our Bedford control room.

Now, fourteen years of service later, John has finally hung up his headset to start enjoying his well-deserved retirement.

After originally joining Bedford EOC as an emergency call handler, John quickly worked his way to become a dispatch team leader. Famous not just in the control room, many of you on the road may recognise and remember him thanks to his distinct and well-spoken voice over the airwaves!

Fellow dispatch team leader and colleague, Craig Borrett, said that John has always been incredibly well thought of: “He has become a true friend and role-model to so many of us.

“Not one to be idle, over the years John has made strong working relationships with EOC and operational road staff alike. He is going to be truly missed!”

But it hasn’t always been plain sailing for John. One snowy February a few years ago, John was suffering with chest pain. Assuming it was indigestion, John made his way into Bedford EOC as usual, but not long into the shift he had to leave the room having taken a turn for the worse.

Luckily, after calling him an ambulance, his colleagues and duty locality officer Phil Alexander were on hand to take care of him on the way into hospital. It was there, with Phil at his side, that John went into cardiac arrest. Phil immediately sprang into action - and saved John’s life. Amazingly, after time and care from the excellent hospital teams, John soon returned to his full time role within EOC.

The experience has made a lasting impression on his colleagues. Call Handler Sandie Dickinson said: "I am a heart transplant patient, and learning what John went through with his heart problems has made him a great role model for me.  

“He truly has been my rock since I joined the Trust which I will always be grateful for.” 

Bedford EOC teams old and new joined John for a retirement lunch last week (28^th April) to wish him a fond farewell before he heads off to relax in his beloved Gibraltar. 

On behalf at everyone here at EEAST, we wish John a long and happy retirement! 

With our thanks to Craig for his help in producing this article.

Published 5th May, 2016