In Memory of Russell Andrew Whanger, Vicki Lynn Rowden, Robert "Bob" Stevenson, and Jim Davenport
"Forever in Our Memory"

While no Callaway County Ambulance District employee has ever died in the line of duty, it is no less devastating when one of your own, a member of the EMS community, passes from this life.  It is to their memory that we dedicate this page.

Time has a way of making all good men seem ordinary.  With the passing of Russell Whanger, we feel that his contributions to us must not be left to a simple obituary.

Russell was an inspiration to all of us at Callaway County Ambulance District.  Whether you saw his friendly face when you were hurt or sick or when a simple taxi driver took you across town.

Russell was associated with the ambulance district from 1974 to 1990.  He served on the board of directors when most of us had no idea what direction the ambulance district would take.  He served as a staff EMT, crew chief, and dispatcher, but he was more that just an employee here.  Russell cared about what was happening here and how we felt.  He never became callous to what we deal with.  Each time we would return from a call, he would ask, "How did it go?"  When he learned of the patient's name he could tell us some history about the patient.  when calls were really bad, he shared our pain and frustration.

Paramedics and EMTs that share feelings about what we deal with develop a special bond; a bond that carries through time and distance.  All of us had that bond with Russell.  All of us who listened to Russell on the radio and scanners, know this will end, "This is KNCQ-747, base is clear.

Written in memory of Russell A. Whanger, D-10
April 25, 1990
Russ Lumpkin, EMT-P
 

Central Missouri EMS was shocked and grief stricken at the sudden and tragic loss of one of their own June 30, 1990.

Vicki Lynn Rowden, EMT-P was suddenly killed in a motor vehicle accident while on her way to work for the Callaway County Ambulance District.  Vicki was 29 years old. She left behind four children as well as a host of relatives including brothers and sisters.

Vicki was most noted for her work recently at the Callaway County Ambulance District, but she was also employed, at the time, by the University of Missouri Hospital Ambulance Service and the Miller County Ambulance District, where she lived.  Vicki spent over four years dedicating her life to EMS, and she is sorely missed by all who knew her.

As it was once said, there is no greater joy than giving of yourself to help others, and no more satisfaction in the feeling of helping relieve the suffering of others.  Vicki Rowden was truly a person worthy of such notoriety and truly an asset to the world of EMS.  On behalf of those who worked with her, most importantly Callaway County Ambulance District, Vicki will be missed but forever in our memory.

Robert "Bob" Stevenson passed away on June 4, 1998.  Bob was most noted for his work at the Callaway Community Hospital and the Callaway County Ambulance District.

We remember Bob's love for his motorcycle and his desire to help those in need.

Bob will be missed but forever in our memory.

Jim Davenport passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 18, 2009.  Jim worked as an EMT-Basic on D-shift for the last five years and also worked at Boone Hospital Center EMS.  Jim leaves behind numerous family members including his wife, Denise, and daughter, Jessica.  Jim will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.