Sam Allen replaces retiring Greg Rowe as Dougherty EMS director

ALBANY — Greg Rowe tried to hold back the tears, and for the most part he succeeded. But the retiring Emergency Management Services director couldn’t keep his emotions entirely in check Monday as he was recognized by the Dougherty County Commission.

“Thirty-six years have gone by in a hurry,” Rowe said after County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas presented him with a plaque recognizing his years of service. “My dad told me that sometimes money isn’t everything, that if you find a job you enjoy doing that’s sometimes more important than money. I got on with the fire department by chance, and in the 36 years since then I’ve found that something I enjoy doing.

“I still enjoy coming to work every day, but it’s time to step down. I’ve been blessed to be able to serve this community and to make a difference in (others’) lives.”

County Administrator Richard Crowdis announced that Sam Allen, who has worked with the county for 23 years, would replace Rowe as EMS director.

“We did a national search and had 19 qualified applicants,” Crowdis said. “Sam Allen was one of two finalists, and he emerged as the top candidate. He’s a 23-year veteran with Dougherty County; he’s worked his way through the ranks since 1994. I feel like he’s well-positioned to take the leadership in this role.

“Greg’s last day will be May 14, so on Monday, May 15, Sam will begin his tenure as EMS director.”

Allen praised the man he’s replacing as he accepted congratulations on being picked to run the department.

“I’m excited about this opportunity, and most of the credit goes to Greg,” Allen said. “It was his leadership that got me through to this level.”

Rowe hired on as a firefighter with the Albany Fire Department in 1981 and a year later became an EMT. After going through paramedic training, he steadily moved up the ranks with EMS, becoming assistant shift supervisor in 2001, shift supervisor in 20014, assistant director in 2008 and director in 2012.

“When I graduated college, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life,” Rowe said. “When my dad told me it was time to go out and get a job — when it hit home that I couldn’t be a college student forever — I was lucky enough to be led to the fire department and public safety. It’s been an honor to serve the people of Dougherty County.”