Copyright © 2008 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

"Jack Kingfisher looks at a book presented to him by Melissa Gower, Group Leader for Cherokee Nation Health Services." TAHLEQUAH, OK - A longtime driver for Cherokee Nation EMS has decided to hang up his keys. Jack Kingfisher retired this week after more than 25 years with the CNEMS. Kingfisher, a van driver for the Cherokee Nation who transported thousands of patients to and from medical appointments throughout the Cherokee Nation, celebrated his last day with the tribe this week with an official retirement gathering of co-workers and well-wishers at the tribe’s EMS building in Tahlequah. “Jack has been a big asset to our program. We are going to miss him and he is going to be difficult to replace,” said Lori Wallace, Manager of Administrative Operations for Cherokee Nation EMS. Kingfisher began working for the tribe in 1976. As a fluent speaker of the Cherokee language, he would often visit with patients he was transporting in the native language, creating a more comfortable and pleasant ride for those he was transporting. “It’s been a great experience working at the Cherokee Nation,” Kingfisher said. “I have gotten to know some wonderful people and it has been enjoyable. I want everyone to keep up the great work.”

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org