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Polk emergency officials escort paramedic who lost battle with COVID

POLK COUNTY—Described as having a calm and confident way and saving many lives, Polk County is mourning the loss of long-time paramedic Allan Cantrell. 

Cantrell died last week after a long battle with COVID-19. 

Polk County EMS, fire and law enforcement officials brought Cantrell home from Pineville to McFarland Funeral Chapel Saturday night with an escort and emergency service vehicles on U.S. 74 bridges along the way. 

“Polk County mourns the loss of paramedic Allan Cantrell, who gave most of his life in service to countless people throughout western North Carolina,” said the Green Creek Fire and Rescue Department online. “Allan had a calm and confident way of being that put his patients at ease and made them feel reassured. To those who were touched by Allan, you were fortunate.” 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, as well as many individuals and departments have honored Cantrell with a banner on social media. 

“Allan served the people of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina for many years and influenced the careers of countless public servants who have followed in his footsteps,” sheriff’s office officials posted. 

Cantrell, 53, of Green Creek, spent more than 30 years in his career. He started with the Spartanburg Regional Transport Service, worked with Polk County EMS and Mission Hospital as a flight paramedic and was a National Registered Critical Care Paramedic. 

Services for Cantrell were held on Tuesday.