An Interview with Billy G. Tennant, R.S.

FEHA:  What were the reasons you chose to become a Sanitarian?

Bill:  After 39 months in the Navy, I knew I wanted to get into a profession serving the people.  My family and brother were involved in police work, so I tried it - for three days - and I knew it wasn't for me!  Joe Pinny was Escambia's EH Director and he asked me if I wanted a job as a Jr. Sanitarian.  I said yes - and I've loved it ever since.

FEHA:  Did you have any mentors that encouraged you to enter the EH Profession?

Bill:  Joe Pinny, of course, and Dr. Reed, who was Escambia CHD Health Director, but I think Dr. J.C. McSwain, who succeeded Dr. Reed, was my true mentor.

FEHA:  What was "sanitation" like in the 1940's and 50's?

Bill:  During those times, our activities focused on the basics of EH - Rodent and Mosquito Control, Rabies and Ecto-Parasite Control, General Nuisance Control and emphasis on passage of local laws that addressed specific areas of EH control.  Naturally, this could vary from county to county.  At that time we were also more involved with enforcement than public education.

FEHA:  Who stands out in your mind as "Pillars of Environmental Health" who made significant Contributions to FEHA and the EH profession?

Bill:  I think Dr. Wilson T. Sowder, who was our State Health Officer for 30 years with the State Board of Health, Dr. E. Charlton Prather, who succeeded Dr. Sowder, and I believe A.W. "Buddy" Mortison, R.S. from EH stand out in my mind.  All three of these men are still living.

FEHA:  Over these 50 years, what changes in EH do you consider the most significant?

Bill:  The educational requirements.  Requiring a college degree and then later specific EH-related college degrees, as well as the expansion of regulation of environmental issues (indoor air, etc.)

FEHA:  Of all of your accomplishments in AS, FEHA, and EH, what is the one event or success that you are the most proud of?

Bill:  I'm most proud of the fact that my fellow professionals elected me as their FEHA President in 1954 and my fellow public health professionals elected me as their FPHA President in 1970.

FEHA:  Looking back 50 years, Bill, what were the most significant events in Florida for EH or FEHA?

Bill:  The passage of the Registered Sanitarians Act in 1959 and the emergence of EH through it's professionalisation, thereby giving more deserved status to EH professionals.  And FEHA can take credit for that!

FEHA:  What does 50 years in FEHA mean to you?

Bill:  It means dedicated public service in the field of Public Health and the environment and the relationship of people working in the environmental health field.

FEHA:  When were the darkest and the brightest days of FEHA?

Bill:  The darkest was Governor Collins' veto of the R.S. Act in 1957, after we had worked so very hard for its passage.  It took four hours of debate in the Legislature just on this one bill.  One of our brightest days was the establishment of our separate Sanitation Section under the State Board of Health in 1958.

FEHA:  What was FAS/ FEHA's greatest accomplishment over the past 50 years?

Bill:  The professionalization of the people in EH and their recognition as professionals by other professionals, organizations, governing bodies, the Legislature and the public at large.

FEHA:  When you "retired" from the state in 1981, why did you volunteer to become FEHA's second Executive Director? (Marvin Rodgers was our first Executive Director)

Bill:  I wanted the Association to be successful and I wanted to continue to promote all EH professionals and raise the recognition and respect of FEHA throughout this state and nation.

FEHA:  What would you like to see FEHA achieve in the next few years?

Bill:  I would like to see our people employed in EH and the government(s) working more cohesively together for the benefit of their profession and themselves.

FEHA:  What do you think of the new Department of Health and what role should EH play in it?

Bill:  It's a great achievement and a lot of work over the past 20 years to have a separate Department of Health again.  EH should play a major role in the DOH as EH is basic to all aspects of Public Health.  EH's practices and principles prevent diseases and directly affect morbidity and mortality rates.  These diseases could easily re-emerge if our DOH does not give EH the support, tools, and high profile it needs to be effective in safe-guarding and improving people's health.

FEHA:  What skills, talents, and abilities do you believe make for a successful EH professional?

Bill:  Honesty, dedication, and a genuine liking of and (willingness) to serve people.

FEHA:  Lastly, Bill, what words of wisdom do you have for young people just embarking on a career in EH?

Bill:  To be successful as an EH professional, you must love your work, be dedicated, and have the constant desire to contribute something to somebody else.