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On September 19th, 2024, the Lanark County Paramedic Service (“LCPS”) hosted its annual Long Service Medal Awards ceremony, celebrating the dedication and contributions of paramedics who have provided exceptional service to their community. The ceremony, which brought together paramedics, their families, and local officials, underscored the vital role these professionals play in safeguarding the health and well-being of Lanark County residents.

The Long Service Medals are awarded for 12, 22, and 30 years of service, recognizing paramedics for their professionalism, resilience, and compassion. This year’s event honoured 21 paramedics, most of whom have served for over 12 years, with their achievements highlighted throughout the evening.

During the ceremony, Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, commended the honourees for their unwavering commitment to the community.

“Reaching these milestones in such a demanding career speaks volumes about the calibre of individuals we are honouring tonight,” Harrington remarked. “You have demonstrated incredible loyalty, commitment, and dedication to your patients, your colleagues, and the communities of Lanark County. We are proud to have you as part of our healthcare team.” 

LCPS Chief Travis Mellema, who established the Long Service Medal program in 2023, expressed his deep appreciation for the paramedics’ service, especially during the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“Being a paramedic is not an easy job. It involves balancing the demands of healthcare and emergency response, 24/7, in all conditions. The loyalty, commitment, and dedication of our paramedics are truly special, and that’s why it’s important to come together to celebrate their service,” Mellema said. 

Among those honoured were Peter Bigauskas, Clark Bingley, Trevor Doraty, Darryl Fleming, Casey Gardiner, Jennifer Guibord, Whitney Hart, Andrew Hay, Emily Hine, Taryn Houlahan, Michele Kereluk, Joseph Kirkham, Jacqueline Lesway, David Mullin, Rachel Patchell, Erica Ray, Christopher Robillard, Jason Rouleau, David Sprunt, and Michael White, all recognized for their 12 years of service. Each recipient’s contributions were acknowledged, demonstrating the profound impact they have made on the health and safety of Lanark County residents. 

A special award was presented to the parents of Dave Nitschmann, a paramedic who tragically passed away on May 26, 2024.

The Long Service Medal Awards, introduced last year, recognize paramedics for their exceptional service and good conduct. The medals serve as a symbol of gratitude from the community and LCPS leadership for the life-saving work that paramedics perform each day.

In addition to the long service medals, several paramedics were recognized for their outstanding achievements, including the presentation of the Community Paramedic Founder Awards and the prestigious Chief’s Award. A special presentation was also made to honour the family members, paramedics, and ambulance communications officer who played an integral role in resuscitating a man who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

The Community Paramedic Founder Award was given to a select group of individuals for their dedication to advancing a more proactive approach to paramedicine, beyond the traditional 911 response. The recipients of this award were Clark Bingley, Elizabeth McDonald, Marty McKittrick, Erica Ray, Scott Smith, David Sprunt, Janice Steele, Jason Tunks, and Michael White.

Commander Janice Steele received the prestigious Chief’s Award for her exemplary service and commitment to the profession of paramedicine. This award, not presented annually but only when richly deserved, recognized Janice’s outstanding leadership during one of the most significant expansions of LCPS. She has been instrumental in securing funding, building partnerships, and enhancing the skill sets of paramedics, ensuring that residents receive the right care, at the right time, from the right provider.

The final presentation of the evening recognized the quick and heroic actions of family members, paramedics, and an ambulance communications officer, whose swift response saved the life of a man who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Their efforts, from initiating CPR to providing emergency care on the scene, resulted in the man’s full recovery. He is now living an active lifestyle and actively promotes the importance of learning CPR.