The City of Ellinwood sponsored a Chamber Coffee Friday morning in honor of the retirement of EMS Director Debbie Glen.  Ellinwood Mayor Irlan Fullbright gave a run-down of Glen’s accomplishments and the awards the city’s Fire and EMS service had won over her 33-year career.  
“I do not consider myself their boss,” Glen said, indicating the EMS and fire personnel present at the coffee.  “I consider myself their team leader, and you’re only as good as your team.  They are awesome.”
According to the City of Ellinwood website,the service is staffed by one full time director and 17 volunteers.   Covering a response district of 110 square miles, including the city and surrounding rural areas, the EMS Departments responds to 275 to 300 calls per year. They do this with two ambulances and a rescue truck, and carry an extensive inventory of state of the art equipment, much acquired thanks to grants Glen has had a direct part in securing.  
Though she’s retiring, Glen can’t imagine staying away for long, she said.  Citing KPERS regulations which require her to not work for the same organization for at least 60 days, she said she looks forward to helping at the office a few days a week starting in the fall.  
Glen has served under six Ellinwood administrations, and including the current one with Bud Newberry who came to Ellinwood in April.