By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS
William O. Altman Over the past 31 years, William served as a volunteer and career EMS professional for the City of Roanoke. Currently, he’s on the Board of Directors for the Western Virginia EMS Council, Jefferson College of Health Sciences’ Advisory Board and Virginia Office of EMS Financial Assistance Review Committee and Professional Development Committee. In 2007 he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Technical Services and EMS Operations and has been instrumental in developing the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire and EMS Training Center and the first accredited EMT-I training program. Previously, William played a pivotal role as a paramedic preceptor for the Jefferson College of Health Sciences and as EMS instructor for the Western Virginia EMS Council. William’s contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Administrator
Deborah S. Rice Deborah was instrumental in bringing the “Wills for Heroes Program” to Fredericksburg, Virginia because she saw a need for this unique benefit that provides essential legal documents (free of charge) to first responders. She also spearheaded a vital project that improved recruitment and retention for Fredericksburg Rescue Squad with the development of strategic initiatives and solutions. Additionally, Deborah reestablished a Cadet program, developed community partnerships with local schools and groups, created new positions that support Fredericksburg Rescue Squad, researched grant opportunities and much more. Deborah serves on the Rappahannock EMS (REMS) Council Board of Directors and is also a member of the REMS Council Public Information and Education Committee. Deborah’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued in the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
| The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Physician
Dr. Nael Hasan Dr. Hasan is currently an attending physician for the Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Alliance’s Department of Emergency Medicine. He participates in EMS training courses for Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support and guest speaks at the Rappahannock EMS Council paramedic program. Dr. Hasan has implemented cutting-edge protocols in his region for AutoPulse and Therapeutic Induced Hypothermia. He continues to advocate a modern EMS system through the use of progressive medical equipment. Previously, Dr. Hasan served the Virginia EMS system as an Operational Medical Director for Lynchburg and Amherst County. Dr. Hasan’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s Award for Outstanding EMS Agency
Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department strives to provide quality service, outstanding professionalism and sincere compassion for the people they serve. They respond to over 11,000 calls for service, and also provide community outreach programs like the Annual Character Academy for Kids, a program that teaches kids about fire and life safety, and Roanoke County Partners Advancing Senior Safety, a program that promotes fire safety for seniors. Roanoke County Fire & Rescue also implemented new guidance on how to properly secure infants and toddlers in the ambulance for safe transport and are working to equip special infant and toddler devices in the ambulances. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Pre-Hospital Educator
Deborah T. Akers Deborah has been involved in EMS education since 1976, when she began teaching basic first aid to volunteer providers. Deborah currently works for the Western Virginia EMS Council as a regional education coordinator. Her philosophy as an educator is one of motivation and encouragement to excel which attributes to why her accredited EMT-I training program has a 97 percent success rate. She was awarded an honorary membership with the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad in 2009 for her response to the Virginia Tech Shooting. She is also the recipient of the National Association of EMS Educators HERO award. Deborah participates in several statewide committees relating to EMS curriculum and is one of the most respected leaders in EMS education in Virginia. Deborah’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Pre-Hospital Provider
Patricia A. Mullins Patricia is an advanced life support provider for the Little Fork Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company and is recognized as an advanced life support preceptor for Rappahannock EMS Council and Fauquier County. She currently serves as Little Fork’s mascot and attends local events representing her agency. She participated in community outreach by volunteering for the American Red Cross’ disaster relief team when Hurricane Ike hit Texas. Patricia’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution
Catherine L. Nowlan, R.N. Catherine exhibits a professional commitment to EMS through her work in the stroke certification process and implementation of Code STEMI. Additionally, Catherine worked closely with the Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Center to enhance the EMS early notification process. She also developed and presented classes on EMS stroke rapid response and 12-lead ECG. In addition her work with EMS education has greatly improved the lives of residents of the Mary Washington Healthcare and Rappahannock EMS Council region. Catherine’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued in the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS
Arvel P. Shannon Arvel Shannon is well known throughout the surrounding communities for her support and financial contributions to important EMS causes. In July 2004 she established a trust fund for Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad that is paid over a 20 year period with an annual pay out of $50,000. She also realized the importance, value and need for continued training and resources and opened the Arvel P. Shannon Training Center for Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad in November 2009. The training center offers EMT-Basic, EMT-Enhanced, emergency vehicle operators course and CPR classes that are available to everyone regardless of agency affiliation or locality. Arvel’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued in the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children
York County Safety Town York County Safety Town, a public-private partnership operated by the York County Department of Community Services, the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety, York County Schools, Private Businesses and volunteers, is recognized for its 16 year commitment and its continuous innovation in contributing to the health and safety of children. Through the use of age appropriate, hands-on interactive experiences, children enjoy learning lifestyle behaviors pertaining to riding school buses, traffic safety, fire safety, personal safety and home safety. York County Safety Town’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly appreciated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
 The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunications
LeRon Lewis Since 2006, LeRon has worked as a telecommunications operator for the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office. He received a letter of commendation on May 1, 2009 for his exemplary performance of duties during a weather event that produced torrential rains, flooding, high winds and blackout conditions. Currently, LeRon serves as a First Lieutenant at Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad and EMS Training Liaison with Spotsylvania Volunteer Fire Department. LeRon’s dedication and significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly appreciated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
| Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship This year we’re happy to recognize TWO very special winners… Heather Fedak & Cody Ross |
 Heather Fedak is a very determined and conscientious individual that excels in everything she does. She’s maintained straight A’s throughout high school and is a member of more than nine clubs and teams at her school. Additionally, Heather is a junior member of King George Fire and Rescue and has been a volunteer there for two years. She’s currently CPR and EMT-B certified and her career goal is to obtain a nursing degree. |
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Cody Ross joined the Conicville Volunteer Fire Department when he was only fourteen and started running EMS calls when he turned 16- years-old. He volunteers with numerous school and community groups and is a member of the National Honor Society. He’s focused on his studies and currently holds an EMT-B and EMT – optional skills certification. When he turns 18, he’d like to be released as an AIC (Attendant In Charge), so he’s currently training by precepting calls.