Grey County is saying goodbye to Director of Paramedic Services Mike Muir. Muir has been in the position for the past 13 years and has 39 years of experience in the paramedic field. Mike's last day in the office was July 21.

"I have seen tremendous change in the delivery of paramedic care over the past decades to the point today where paramedics are seen as true professionals," said Muir. "Having played my part in the evolution of the profession is something that I am very proud of."

Mr. Muir trained in paramedicine at Centennial College in 1978. After graduating he worked as a summer student in Midland before working as a primary care paramedic in Alliston and then Toronto. In 1990 Mike became an advanced care paramedic and worked in the frontline for another five years before transitioning into an education and development supervisor role with Toronto Paramedic Services. Here he trained other advanced care paramedics and participated in clinical trials such as the Ontario Pre‑Hospital Advanced Life Support Study.

In 1998, Mike moved to Owen Sound to become the director of the Grey Bruce Huron base Hospital program where he provided medical oversight for paramedics in the three counties. In 2004, paramedic service was brought back in house by Grey County and Mr. Muir played an integral part in the transition. He has lead Grey County's paramedic services ever since. In addition to his position with Grey County, Mike has been a board member of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs for the past five years which has allowed him to participate on a number of provincial initiatives.

"Working with a great team of paramedics, managers and support staff will be one of the things that I will miss the most. It has been a privilege to have been part of this group of wonderful people," said Muir.

Mike has much to be proud of from his time with Grey County. Under his leadership, Grey consistently met and exceeded performance targets and excelled in service reviews. He attributes these achievements to the culture of excellence among Grey County's paramedic staff. Grey County has also become a national and provincial leader in community paramedicine during this time thanks to Council's support.

Grey County Warden Alan Barfoot praises Muir for his years of service.

"Mike has shown true leadership and dedication as Grey County's Director of Paramedic Services. His dedication to paramedicine is without question after nearly four decades of service," said Barfoot. "Mike has excelled during his time at Grey County and on behalf of Grey County Council I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life."

Mike has no immediate plans for retirement.

"I'm looking forward to taking the summer off to recharge. I'm keeping my options open and the future is a blank canvas," he said.

source: media release, Grey County