A Pittsfield resident and Youngsville High School class of 1979, Strickland was celebrated with a retirement luncheon recently surrounded by family, friends and the EmeryCare team. Prior to working for EmeryCare, Strickland worked for the Warren County School District as a cafeteria worker and an aide.

“I always wanted to be in some type of medical field. I started out as a volunteer with a fire department and liked being in the ambulance,” Strickland said.

Strickland’s son, Kurt Maynard is a Warren firefighter and her daughter, April Peate, works in security at Ellwood National Forge Group as well as serving as an EMT.

When speaking of Strickland’s commitment to the profession, co-workers say they will strive to carry the same level of passion for the job as she did.

Submitted Photo Congratulations to Joyce Strickland on 30 years of service to the community through EmergyCare.

“I’m planning to make a trip to Tennessee to visit my best friend from high school,” Strickland said. “We are going to celebrate 50 years of being friends!”

Strickland and her husband, Jeff, are the parents of Kurt Maynard, April Peate, Darla Buerkle, Michelle Lord and Jeffrey Strickland. They have six grandchildren: Allyson, Ella, Braxton, Carter, Brantley and Alivia.

Times Observer photos by Jessica N. Rex Matt Bennett, Erie director of operations for EmergyCare presented Joyce Strickland with a plaque for her 30 years of dedicated service.