Ozark County Ambulance renames building in honor of Stacy Raney

Earlier this month, the Ozark County Ambulance District officially dedicated its building to former administrator Stacy Raney, honoring his two decades of service to the district following a medically-necessary retirement late last year due to the diagnosis of Glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer.

A crowd of coworkers and family members gathered outside the longtime ambulance base April 7 in front of a new sign mounted on the front of the building. The large white display, accented with blue lettering and red trim, now identifies the facility as “The Raney Base.”

The new name marks a lasting tribute to Raney’s leadership and impact on Ozark County’s ambulance service since 1999. 

While his medical condition has left him unable to see the sign itself, those closest to him said the meaning of the moment was felt deeply in his heart.

Raney, who had not originally planned to step away from his position last year, chose to retire after the disease made it necessary. 

Current Ozark County Ambulance administrator Nathan Boone said that the choice to dedicate the building was made by those who knew him and his service well - his co-workers. He said the ambulance district’s crew came together earlier this year and voted to name the base in Raney’s honor. “That speaks volumes about the respect he earned, and the legacy he leaves behind,” he said.

A long history of helping

Raney was appointed as the Ozark County Ambulance District administrator in the fall of 2018 following 13 years of working for the district; however, Raney’s career in EMS began even earlier. He earned his EMT license in 1992 and his paramedic license in 1998, building decades of experience that would later guide the district through a period of growth and stability.

An Oct. 17, 2018, Ozark County Times article announcing his hire detailed his long path in emergency medical services:

“Raney, a paramedic who has worked on the ambulance crew for more than 13 years, has served as interim operations manager since the June 10, [2018] resignation of former administrator Eddie Delp, who left to take a job with OATS Transit in Springfield. Raney accepted the new position on Sept. 11, [2018].

“The job change will mean Raney spends most of his time handling administrative duties and will only occasionally work as part of the ambulance crew, he said.

“Raney grew up in Mountain Grove and completed his paramedic training in West Plains. He worked for the Ozarks Medical Center ambulance service based in Willow Springs for several years then transferred to Ozark County in 1999, when the ambulance service here was operated by OMC. He returned to Willow Springs in 2000 and then left the ambulance service to work in urgent care for a while, he said. He taught emergency medical services training classes in Alaska for a few months while also working as a paramedic there. He has worked for Ozark County Ambulance, now a tax supported agency no longer affiliated with OMC, since returning here in 2005.

“Raney said the ambulance service has several ‘positive changes coming down the pike,’ including the anticipated move into its new building within the next couple of months. The district’s former headquarters was condemned due to a mold problem several months ago, and since then its employees have been operating out of a mobile home installed on the site. The original building was demolished, and construction on the new building began earlier this year...’”

Articles in the Times detailed that transition into the new building, as well as many other changes made under his leadership throughout the years as the district added staff and crews, new ambulances, additional equipment and enhanced service in different ways to meet Ozark County’s needs. 

In his co-workers’ words

Those who worked alongside Raney say his leadership went far beyond his role as boss and that he truly cared for the people he worked with. Since his cancer diagnosis and medical leave, staff members have deeply felt his absence, often sharing how visits from him at the office would brighten their entire day. Many credit him with helping shape the ambulance service into what it is today, and say the culture he built continues to guide them.

In a post shared by the Ozark County Ambulance District following the dedication, the organization reflected on his lasting influence:

“Today marked an important moment for our organization and for someone who helped shape it into what it is today. Stacy was forced to medically retire, but his impact on this district will carry forward long after his time here. He stepped in when this service needed direction, stability, and leadership. He built a foundation that continues to support everything we do.”

That foundation is perhaps best reflected in the voices of those who worked closely with him. When Raney changed his Facebook status to “retired administrator of Ozark County Ambulance District” in December 2025, his friends and co-workers were quick to tell him just how much he impacted their lives, both professionally and personally. 

Brian Morgan said: “Thank you for everything you did for the district. Brought it back to life and did one heck of a great job. Thank you for all you did for me – you pulled me through some bad times and for that I’m forever indebted to you sir. You were not only a great boss, but one of my best friends and family to me.” Morgan added that the absence of Raney’s daily presence has been felt deeply, noting that “It’s been hard without you there, my friend, but just know that you did more service to the Ozark County Ambulance District than anyone could ever do.”

Boone, who has now stepped into the administrator’s shoes, also shared his personal gratitude, saying: “Sir, thank you for the many years you dedicated to Ozark County Ambulance. The service you built, the people you invested in, and the culture you left behind matter more than most will ever realize. I’ve heard nothing but respect when your name comes up. Not just for how you led, but for who you were as a person. I sincerely hope I can do even half as good a job as you did.”

Board member and friend Douglas Hawkins said: “You made the Ozark County Ambulance District what it is today. The community owes you a debt of gratitude for your service.”

For many, Raney’s leadership was also deeply personal. Eric Limbaugh said: “The best boss and friend anyone could ask for. You are dearly missed.”

Karlie Pasley said “I am so thankful to have had you as a boss. I am going to miss you so much. You became more than just a boss to me, you are family.” She added that his mentorship helped her rediscover her passion for EMS, saying working under him “made me realize how much I truly love EMS.”

Dustin Warren said: “Thankful for you for giving me a chance as a green EMT. Thank you for everything you done for me and my family as well.”

Owen Herrell echoed those sentiments, saying: “Thank you Stacy Raney for everything. You gave me a chance as a brand new EMT. You were nothing but great to me the whole time.”

In its dedication message, the district summed up what many were feeling:

“Stacy, your leadership, commitment and the standard you set will not be forgotten. ‘The Raney Base’ will stand as a reminder of what strong leadership and dedication can accomplish.”

Now, as co-workers pass by the sign, they will  pause, if only for a moment, to reflect on Raney and the impact he had on them and Ozark County. His quiet demeanor and steady leadership will be remembered for years to come, a legacy that will continue to guide those who now follow in his footsteps.