A Special Thank You From the Tekoa Community Ambulance

With a mix of appreciation and sadness, the Tekoa Ambulance acknowledges the retirement of two of its longest standing members, Jim Gordon and LaDonna Sienknecht.

Jim

Jim Gordon began as an EMT in 1989. He faithfully served the association in a number of capacities, including 4 three year terms as Ambulance President. Besides being an EMT, he pursued additional certification as a BLS Evaluator. This allowed him to assist in training other EMT’s for over 20 years.

He led in the purchasing of the two ambulances that are in service today. He even flew back East and helped drive one ambulance to Tekoa. Also under Jim’s guidance, two new Lifepak 15 defibrillators were purchased for each ambulance. More recently, the association bought 2 Stryker Power Load kits which convert ambulance gurneys into self-loading gurneys.

If Jim hasn’t asked you to consider serving on the ambulance team, you may have just moved to Tekoa! He passionately desires to see people receive local help in times of crisis. The only thing that gets more attention is his family and friends. He and Marianne are staples of our community and give without reserve to support their children, grandchildren and the entire town. When one thinks of a true example of Tekoa loyalty, you can’t find a better definition than the Gordons!

And don’t worry, although we will all miss seeing Jim around the ambulance barn, you can still catch up with him if you happen to be up early for coffee at Eclairs!

LaDonna

LaDonna Sienknecht started with Tekoa Community Ambulance Association as an EMT in  1993. She has maintained EMT certification since that time, attending monthly EMT meetings for lecture and skill training. This commitment allowed for re-certification every 3 years. She has also served on the board as President and as Secretary. 

While serving as Board President, LaDonna helped acquire the property and the building of the existing Tekoa Ambulance building.  She worked with the bank in securing money for the purchase of the land and the building, and with the contractor.

Another “ambulance hat” worn by LaDonna was to take care of the ambulance billing. At the time, the association didn’t have a computer. She did these tasks on paper and with a typewriter, which was time consuming at the least.

LaDonna currently works at Seeds Inc. where she is a supervisor. She is a mom to two daughter and proud grandmother to two grandsons. Her parents also live in Tekoa, so she is happily surrounded by her greatest joys.

We are grateful to LaDonna for her compassionate EMT service so many years. We wish her the best as she has more time to focus on family, work, and other interests.

Room for YOU!

One of the greatest tributes Tekoa can give to Jim and LaDonna is for more people to volunteer with the Ambulance Association. Drivers and EMT’s (training available) are at the top of the list, but there are other ways to serve as well. For more information, email Mike Ausmus at tekoaambpres@gmail.com.

Thank you Jim and LaDonna and each of your families. We recognize all of the sacrifices involved!