SALISBURY — After 28 years serving the Rowan County, Emergency Services EMS Division Battalion Chief Robert “Bob” Turner has announced he will retire Nov. 28.

“We have seen lots of change and progression in my 28 years,” Turner said.

“I have made many friends within the EMS, fire and emergency services community. I will remember these people as long as I live. They are the ones who inspired me to work in the industry,” he said. “No one does this for the money but the satisfaction of helping others. EMS has become a family to each of us.”

Turner began his tenure with Rowan County EMS in October 1989 as a part-time emergency medical technician. He transferred to full-time status in March 1991 as an EMT intermediate. Turner was promoted to battalion chief in March 1992 and received his paramedic certification in 1993 when Rowan County EMS became an Advanced Life Support Paramedic Department.

Turner served in the Marine Corps from 1972 to 1974. He worked for Lowe’s home improvement from 1978 to 1984 and opened the first Lowe’s in Salisbury.

“Chief Turner has been a mentor to many in our department during his tenure,” said Rowan County Emergency Services Chief Frank Thomason. “We will miss his guidance and leadership that has helped to move the department forward in a positive manner. I sincerely appreciate his support to the county and emergency services and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

“Bob has been a big part the EMS system for many years and his retirement leaves a significant void of experience and skills that will be difficult to replace,” said EMS Division Chief Lennie Cooper. “I wish him well in retirement but I also look forward to his continued contributions as a member of our auxiliary program.”

A retirement reception for Turner will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Building, 2727 Old Concord Road.