Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic

Classic behind the scenes content during EMS Week 😂

For Todd Moore, EMS wasn’t just a career. It was part of life from the very beginning. 💙

Todd grew up around EMS after his dad began bringing him to the rescue squad in Anson County at just 11 years old—a passion that would eventually turn into a lifelong career in emergency medicine.

Todd served at Medic from 1990–2017, after first becoming one of the original employees in Anson County EMS and running its very first call in 1987. He later became a paramedic, worked in Union County, and eventually found his way to Medic—where he says he never once regretted coming.

As we continue honoring the people who helped shape Medic’s history, Todd shares advice for today’s providers: work to live, don’t live to work. Take care of your life outside of Medic, because this career can take a toll emotionally and mentally if you let it.

One mindset helped carry him through the hardest calls: “Did I do everything I could do?” If the answer was yes, that’s what mattered most.

We’re grateful for Todd’s years of service, dedication, and the example he set for generations of providers along the way.

34 years of service. 29 babies delivered. Countless lives touched. 💙

Dena Gaston served at Medic from 1988–2022, helping build the camaraderie and lasting friendships that made Medic feel like family to so many providers.

As we continue honoring the people who helped shape Medic’s history, Dena reflects on the early days of Medic, when crews gathered for cookouts, celebrations, and time together outside of work. Those friendships are the people she still keeps in touch with today.

Over the course of her career, Dena delivered 29 babies in the field—a testament to her skill, dedication, and commitment to patient care. One of those deliveries became a lifelong connection when, 25 years later, the mother of the first baby she delivered found her on Facebook and reached out.

We’re grateful for Dena’s years of service, the lives she touched, and the lasting impact she made on both Medic and this community.

Some bonds last long after the uniform comes off.

Meet John Weaver, who built lifelong bonds during his time at Medic from 1987–2012—and still keeps them going today, driving two hours one way to meet up with fellow retirees for breakfast.

That same dedication shows in the impact he had during his years at Medic, helping pave the way for the system providers continue to build on today.

As part of our EMS Week retiree series, John shares advice for providers still in service: keep a journal. It doesn’t have to be used every day, but over time it becomes a way to look back on the memories, calls, and the work you were part of. These moments are ones you can be proud of (or have a good laugh at years later)!

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the people who helped build Medic into what it is today.

Do you stay busy at Medic? Yes, yes we do.

Meet one of Medic’s very first providers. 💙

Julius “The Juice” Shands served from 1978–1994, helping build Medic’s foundation in Mecklenburg County from the very beginning.

As part of our EMS Week retiree series, Julius reflects on the “brotherhood” of EMS and the people who shaped his career throughout his years at Medic. His advice for the next generation of providers? Learn from experienced medics and stay informed, because medicine is always evolving and changing.

Medic wouldn’t be what it is today without providers like Julius. We’re thankful for his years of service and the lasting impact he made on so many people along the way!

Stay tuned as we continue sharing stories from the people behind Medic’s history and the people who helped build it.

Girl power 💪🏼 Happy EMS Week to all the amazing women in EMS! Send this to someone to say thank you ❤️