Persons, Knipstein helped county EMS grow, adapt
GEORGETOWN — Two Emergency Medical Services leaders retiring from their lengthy careers with Williamson County are receiving praise and accolades for their work to save and improve lives.
Jim Persons, EMS outreach and education coordinator for Williamson County EMS for the past 10 years, is stepping down after a 50-year career — the same age as the first-response agency that employed him.
Williamson County EMS Director Michael Knipstein is also preparing to retire after three decades of service. The county has announced a slate of five finalists for his spot.
Williamson County Commissioners Court members during a Jan. 28 meeting marked Persons’ retirement, lauding his accomplishments including the agency’s 2017 recognition with the Texas Department of State Health Services EMS Public Information/Injury Prevention Award.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be before you today to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone: Jim Persons’ retirement after an extraordinary 50 years of dedicated service in EMS,” Knipstein told commissioners to a round of applause. “Fifty years in any career is impressive, but 50 years in EMS is nothing short of heroic,” He continued, “It’s a career defined by resilience, compassion and a steadfast commitment to saving lives and serving his community. Today, we reflect not just on Jim’s longevity, but the huge impact that he has had on our profession, our colleagues and countless lives.” For his part, Persons recalled starting at a time when there were only three ambulances in the county, adding he has witnessed sweeping changes in the intervening decades.
“The one thing that has never changed … We take care of people, and that’s the thing that I will miss,” Persons said.
Knipstein’s imminent retirement has launched a nationwide search for a replacement, according to county officials. He has served for 30 years and more than eight years as the director, officials noted in a recent advisory.
The finalists named for the EMS director’s role:
• Geoffry “Geoff” Smith — director of operational medicine — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• James “Jim” Winham — fire/EMS chief — Torrance County Fire Rescue
• John Gonzales — division commander — clinical practices — Williamson County EMS
• Ranjit “Randy” Chhabra — commander — Austin-Travis County EMS
• Weston Davis — account manager — Bound Tree Medical “Each candidate brings unique strengths and perspectives to the role, from operational management and clinical expertise to strategic planning and community engagement,” county officials wrote.
“We are thrilled with the caliber of candidates vying for this leadership position,” Emergency Services Senior Director Bill Zito said in a prepared statement. “Our EMS system is vital to the health and safety of our community, and we are confident that the next director will build on our legacy of excellence.”
Finalists are expected to participate in a series of interviews, including meet-andgreet sessions. The get-togethers let stakeholders meet the candidates, ask questions and share their priorities for the future of emergency services in Williamson County.
The first event is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the EMS North Campus, 3189 S.E. Inner Loop. A second with the fifth candidate is slated to take place 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at the same location.
A final hiring decision is expected by the end of February. The dual retirements come during a milestone in Williamson County EMS history as the agency celebrates 50 years of providing prehospital care to residents.
In a recent press release, county officials noted the agency had 16 employees and four ambulances when it began in 1975 and now has 177 employees with 25 response resources.
“Reaching 50 years of service is a testament to the dedication, innovation and teamwork that have defined our department and the support of our county leaders,” Knipstein said. “As we celebrate these 50 years, we honor our history and remain committed to our mission to provide preeminent care that is enhanced by education and research.”
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“We take care of people, and that’s the thing that I will miss.”
— Jim Persons, Williamson County EMS
