New Orleans EMS Chief Ken Bouvier Retires on Mardi Gras

Ken Bouvier has worked in emergency services in New Orleans for 44 years and served as chief of EMS for 35 years. He issued the following letter for release:

To All,

When I joined the Westwego Volunteer Fire Department in 1975, I had no idea that emergency response would become my career.

Since then it has been a pleasure to serve in both private and municipal governments for the past 44 years.

I've been blessed to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge of EMS all over the world.

One of the greatest rewards of my career has been the opportunity to help those who couldn't help themselves. 

Whether it was extinguishing a fire, performing a rescue, managing a haz-mat incident or rendering emergency medical care, I always tried to do my best!

Another reward of this great career was getting to know and make new friends all over the world.

To those who I have worked side by side with in EMS, Law Enforcement, Fire and in the hospitals, I'm going to miss you the most! Thank you for your friendships!

To New Orleans EMS, as you continue to serve the residents and visitors of our city please remember to help mentor and develop our young EMS providers so we can continue to deliver great patient care. I hope I live a long life to watch EMS continue to grow in both patient care and technology. 

I'd like to thank my wife and family for always supporting me throughout my career. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time with you.

Respectfully,

Ken Bouvier -NRP

Deputy Chief (Retired)

New Orleans EMS