Laurel County, KY, EMS Provider Hangs up Stethoscope after Decades

EMT Susan Smith Carpenter started with Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County when the company was established in 1977.

By Macee Swafford

Source The Sentinel Echo, London, Ky. (TNS)

Jan. 23, 2026

2 min read

Susan Smith Carpenter, who is retiring after nearly five decades, was congratulated by Paramedic Capt. Will Bishop, a 30-year veteran with Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County.

LONDON — Susan Smith Carpenter, a longtime leader and cornerstone of Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, announced her retirement effective Jan. 31, concluding a career that spanned nearly five decades of service to the Laurel County community.

According to the announcement on Ambulance Inc. Of Laurel County Facebook page, Carpenter’s journey with Ambulance Inc. began in 1977, the same year the organization was established when she started answering phones at just 13 years old. What began as a part-time role soon evolved into a lifelong commitment to emergency medical services.

As her responsibilities expanded, Carpenter became an EMT and worked on the ambulance during a period when the profession relied heavily on manual labor, and limited technology.

Emergency responses were documented by hand, stretchers were operated manually, and lifesaving measures such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) were performed without medical assistance. During that time, Carpenter experienced defining moments of her career, including delivering a baby in the back of an ambulance along the roadside — a child who would now be 40 years old.

After years in the field, Carpenter transitioned into administrative roles, first in billing and later in human resources and accounts receivable. Her leadership and dedication ultimately led to her service as vice president for many years.

In early 2024, she assumed the role of president, continuing a service that had been built for over 50 years.

Following 48 years of service, Carpenter made the decision to retire after celebrating her 62nd birthday — addressing ongoing health concerns, and choosing to devote more time to her family.

Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County expressed appreciation for Carpenter’s lasting contributions — citing her commitment, leadership, and deep care for both the organization and the community.