I have been involved in emergency medical services with Rhea Ambulance/EMS since 1983. My parents were EMTs, and my father owned and operated Rhea Ambulance/EMS from 1973 until his passing in 2003. I took my first EMT course and passed, but the state would not issue me a license since I was only in the fifth grade. Even at that young age, I knew I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and fill his shoes—after all, he had smaller feet than I did. To this day, I still feel I have not filled them, and I know they can never truly be filled.
I started as an EMT and advanced to the Paramedic level in the 1980s, becoming the first Paramedic in Rhea County. I have never worked anywhere else, nor have I ever wanted to. I am dedicated to Rhea County and its citizens because Rhea County is home.
About Daryle Cochran
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My dog’s name is Rex
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Rhea County Paramedic / Business Owner for life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be respectful and kind to others cause you don’t know what kind of day they are having, or, what they are going through or if you will see them again.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still doing the same thing I am doing now.
Daryle Cochran & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Delia’s, Mo-Mo’s, Banjo’s, Dayton Coffee Shop
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My entire life
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mike Taylor (former District Attorney)
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I miss stores like Redford’s Five and Dime, Heartland Grill Restaurant
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The small-town community feeling of closeness with friends and neighbors.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I usually do not eat lunch… LOL
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Jack Reacher. Yellowstone
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I am ambidextrous
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
?
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The Community
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Another day in paradise