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NC paramedic succumbs to COVID-19 complications

John Thomas Ring, 35, was known as “Ringo” to his Wilkes County EMS family

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Wilkes County EMS Director Timothy Pennington noted, Paramedic John Thomas Ring, 35, “displayed traits that we all should strive to have.”

Wilkes County EMS/Facebook

Duty Death: John Thomas Ring - [Wilkes County]

End of Service: 06/09/2021

By Kerri Hatt

WILKES COUNTY, N.C. — Wilkes County EMS announced the loss of Paramedic John Thomas Ring, 35, due to COVID-19 complications. Affectionately known as “Ringo” by his friends and coworkers, Ring started working at WCEMS in 2017.

According to a WCEMS social media post, Ring “worked tirelessly to advance his training and knowledge base,” and attaining his certification as a paramedic was “one of the highlights of his life.”

Wilkes County EMS Director Timothy Pennington noted, “Ringo displayed traits that we all should strive to have. A humble and faithful public servant to all no matter the situation. Never a negative word towards anyone, always positive. Always wanting to be better. Always wanting to learn more. Always willing to help others. Always dedicated to his family and work family. Always pushing himself to be better. Always deeply cared for his patients. Always enjoyed talking and spending time with everyone. Always a friend to anyone. Much more not named here. Ringo taught us all lessons that will never be forgotten.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.