A paramedic for more than 10 years, Darren has spent eight of them at Dungog following in the footsteps of his uncle Eddie Baker.

With many former Dungog ambos being born and bred in the town, Darren has mixed feelings with his departure.

“Becoming a paramedic was always something I was going to do because of uncle Eddie, Barry Baker and Peter Harrison who all grew up in the area, became ambos and worked at the Dungog station,” he said.

“There was also Alvin Robertson and before him Don Germon and others who were stretcher bearers.”

“This will be the first time in many, many years a local is not attached to the Dungog station.

Of the eight years at Dungog, Darren spent six and a half as a relief paramedic travelling to many stations such as Stroud, Tea Gardens, Gloucester, Denman, Murrurundi , Muswellbrook and Scone.

The last 18 months have been spent as acting station officer.

Darren has transferred to the 24-hour manned Cessnock station and Paul Alexander, who has been at the Dungog station since July last year, is taking his place permanently.

“Basically it is a swap,” Darren said.

“My wife Nicole is a general practitioner and has a practice in Newcastle so my hours will be a lot better at Cessnock.

“Here I was on call so couldn’t go home after each shift, but it will be better at Cessnock as I work four days on and have five off.

“It’s tough being on call when you have family in town, but even harder when they don’t live here.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and my next phase career-wise.”

Paul Alexander has been working at the Dungog station for the past 12 months and comes with 18 years experience.

He said he jumped at the chance to come to the Dungog station in a temporary position for 12 months from Cessnock.

“Basically Darren and I are swapping,” he said.

“I’ve worked with Darren Hicks and Dave Cork for years and the opportunity to come and work with these experienced and dedicated paramedics was too good to pass up.

“I really wanted to come to a rural location such as Dungog and experience life here for awhile and very pleased all the paperwork has been done so I can stay here permanently.”

Paramedic Megan Kerslake will join the station on Saturday as acting station officer.