Congratulations to Paul and Tony’s 60 years of service

This month two driver trainers from Barton Mills celebrated an amazing six decades of combined service.

Paul Tasker and Tony Vacca from the driver training unit (DTU) started their ambulance service journey when they both joined the London Ambulance Service back in 1986. They then worked in patient transport services, before completing their technician training and becoming paramedics.

Tony (pictured left), who before joining the service gained qualifications in bakery and cake decoration, said: “I have enjoyed my career enormously, having been privileged enough to be involved in a huge variety of emergency incidents, dealing with everything from bombings and suicides to stubbed toes and shaving cuts.

“Over the years the service has changed a great deal, but the constant has always been the members of the public. People still present with the same injuries, illnesses and social problems.”

The duo both moved back to the Norwich area to continue working on the road.

Paul, who has worked mostly in Great Yarmouth, said: “Within my role, I am currently enjoying the satisfaction of developing a student’s driving to a high standard, and being involved with the start of a new career. I will continue to stay with the service as there are no better people to work with than ambulance staff.”

In 2006, Tony took the opportunity to develop as an IHCD driving instructor and continued to work on the road too. When the DTU was opened at Barton Mills, he made the decision to join the driving school on a permanent basis. Paul passed his driver instructor training at 2004, and made the move to the DTU four years ago.

Tony, whilst offering some advice to colleagues, added: “Enjoy your time, because 30 years has flown and I can remember my first day at training school as if it was yesterday. Look after yourself, your crewmate and your patient.”

On behalf of everyone here at the Trust - congratulations Paul and Tony on your incredible achievement. Here’s to the next 30 years!

Published 23rd June, 2016