The Epitome of Excellence...

Safe Call Now's Ron Jones

The Epitome of Excellence...  An appropriate description of Safe Call Now's Ron Jones.  I received a phone call yesterday that Ron is retiring from service to Safe Call Now.  Let me tell you about this man.  I don't know if I've ever seen a more dedicated person to the #1stresponders out there than Ron.  I met Ron when he called me to inquire about Safe Call Now and the services we provide.  I was struck by his southern drawl and calm demeanor.  Ron had served with other crisis lines over the years and I knew when I first met him he was a perfect fit.

Ron took on many roles with Safe Call Now and helped build this organization to what it is today.  He's served as a Peer Advocate, Peer Advocate Trainer, Call Center Coordinator and Vice President.  He's been there through the good times and bad but he was "always" there.  He is more than respected by everyone in the organization and those he has dealt with around the country.  Ron can be a soft shoulder to lean on and when necessary he draws hard bottom lines to save the lives of those that serve.  Ron has saved countless lives over the years and he should be commended for his efforts.

Let me give you a little background of what he brought to Safe Call Now and to those that he served over the years, he is the complete package...

Ronald Jones is the Peer Advocate Coordinator for Safe Call Now. Ron has over 25 years' combined emergency medical services and law enforcement experience. Ron understands the unique culture of first responders and stressors of the job. Ron retired from the West Virginia State Police in 1999 resulting from a line of duty related illness. After the attacks on 9-11, Ron served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He then joined the ranks of the newly established Department of Homeland Security as a founding member and ultimately awarded the Transportation 9-11 ribbon for having contributed to the recovery efforts after the terrorist attacks.

Ron was finally able to fulfill his goal of completing his higher education, which had begun many years before. Ron finished his undergraduate work earning a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University in WV and completed a Masters in Biblical Counseling through Therapon University, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Ron is now an ordained independent minister and master chaplain who holds many certifications in trauma and critical incident stress management and is recognized as an expert and member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress in collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management number 5541.

As a certified instructor for the American Red Cross, QPR Institute, Homeland Crisis Training Institute and International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Ron is altogeher qualified to share lifesaving information with others. Ron has spent countless hours as a parish minister, chaplain, guardian ad litem and volunteer providing counsel to first responders, active duty military personnel and veterans, the homeless, crime victims and families of each. Ron has answered crisis lines for the military and first responders having logged hundreds of hours in crisis intervention and directed countless persons to needed resources. He now enjoys spending time with his spouse, children and three grandchildren.

Many people over the years have "claimed" to be Founders of Safe Call Now who were only there for bits and pieces.  Ron and I laugh about it all the time.  Ron has brought this organization to where it is today.  He is what I classify as a "Founder" he's been through it all!!!  Ron, you will be missed by "all" especially me.  Myself as well as those around the country are indebted to you for your service to others.  You hold a special place in my heart and always will.  Enjoy the family, enjoy your grandchildren and may you enjoy life.  Take care my friend.