MEET BILL

William D. "Bill" Smith has always strived to better his community - the community he proudly loves.  He has spent his entire career in service with this goal in mind, taking every possible step in the right direction to improve the quality of life for his fellow Laurel Countians.

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The award winning EMS pioneer began his influential career in 1977, completing all required EMT training.  After the local funeral homes made the decision to terminate ambulance operation, the need for an ambulance service grew.  Bill, along with his wife Janet, were led to purchase the ambulance service at this time, eagerly calling on their family to assist them with the phone and police scanner, promptly serving the community with emergency transportation.

By 1986, Laurel County's population had increased significantly. This prompted Bill to realize the need to initiate an upgrade to the ambulance service with Advanced Life Support.  This became the first ALS service in Southeastern Kentucky. 

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As a police officer for the City of London, Bill served as Chief of Police for over 8 years. During his tenure, Bill was an integral part of many programs and advancements in his field.  In 1979, he began plans for a central dispatch system that evolved only 5 years later into the current 911 service.  In 1989, he initiated the D.A.R.E. program in Laurel County Schools, providing a valuable education in drug resistance.  Bill has since received numerous awards and accolades, including an EMS Special Recognition Award. This honor was in recognition of his extraordinary contributions in his field to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  He has also been instrumental in the development of projects and policies while serving as a member of the London City Council.

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Bill has now entrusted his daughters and a great team to continue the legacy of excellence in patient care and community.  While his involvement is less demanding now, he remains dedicated to his profession, the improvement of his community and advancement in emergency services.