The Whitsundays community was deeply saddened by news of the sudden passing of Stephen Jennings in early February.
The much-loved 64-year-old paramedic retired last year after 42 years’ service and had been looking forward to travelling around Asia with his wife.
A farm boy born from south Gippsland, Mr Jennings went on to spend four decades saving lives across Australia.
He took up the role of ambulance officer first in his home state of Victoria before settling in Airlie Beach and finally retiring in December of last year.
The well-loved paramedic retired to the applause of colleagues, as well as Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), who awarded him a certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service with the QAS, on top of his already astounding 17 years with the Victoria Ambulance Service (VAS).
Seven of those years were working on helicopter rescue in Victoria as a paramedic before transferring to Proserpine and then the Whitsunday Station, where he stayed for the rest of his career.
Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Ambulance Station Steve Thurtell worked with Mr Jennings for 25 years until his retirement.
“It was a shock, and a terribly sad loss, that someone who devotes 40 years of his career doesn’t get to enjoy the fruits of his labour in retirement,” Mr Thurtell said.
“We formed a good partnership over the years and he was a very solid paramedic over that time.”
Mr Thurtell said that the favourite opening line for Mr Jennings was “Hi, I’m Steve and we’re going to get you sorted.”
Mackay and Whitsunday Life spoke with Mr Jennings on the day of his retirement, and he was extremely proud of his profession.
“From death to walking out of the hospital later on, that’s a good feeling – actually getting someone back, and we’re quite capable of doing that,” Mr Jennings said.
“Saving someone’s life is pure elation; there is no feeling that comes close.”
Mr Jennings passed away surrounded by friends and family on February 8.
Stephen Jennings surrounded by colleagues