November 18, 2014
(RICHMOND, Va.) – The 2014 Governor’s EMS Award winners were recently announced at the 35th Annual Governor’s EMS Awards Ceremony in Norfolk, Va. Governor Terry McAuliffe recognized 10 outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their excellence in EMS and dedication to the system.
The awards were presented in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services 35th Annual Virginia EMS Symposium. This weeklong training event is the largest EMS training event in the state and one of the largest in the nation. The symposium welcomes more than 1,800 providers from across the Commonwealth and issues approximately 25,000 hours of continuing education credits.
“The health and safety of all Virginians is a top priority for the Virginia Department of Health and our EMS providers are dedicated to meeting that need around the clock,” said State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP. “EMS providers are on the frontline every day, protecting and promoting the health of our citizens, and we welcome the opportunity to recognize their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to their communities.”
“In the last 35 years, the Virginia EMS Symposium has offered an incredible educational opportunity to thousands of EMS providers statewide, which has helped to shape Virginia’s EMS System into one of the largest and best in the nation,” said Gary Brown, director, Office of EMS. “This incredible feat would not be possible without the hard work and talent of the providers recognized during the Governor’s EMS Awards ceremony. Their remarkable efforts to serve the citizens of Virginia and better the EMS System are exceptional and we’re proud to honor them with the highest award given at the state level. Congratulations to this year’s Governor’s EMS Award winners! You have set the bar high for excellence in EMS.”
The following 2014 Governor’s EMS Award winners were recognized:
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – Matthew Lawler, Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad, Central Shenandoah EMS Council, Inc.
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Administrator (The Kent J. Weber Trophy) – Ronald Passmore, Galax-Grayson EMS
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) – Michael Moran, M.D., Lewis Gale Hospital – Allegany
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Jane R. LaVerne, R.N., Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Prehospital Educator – William Akers, Jr., Southwest Virginia Paramedic Program, Lebanon Lifesaving Crew
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Prehospital Provider – Amy Ward, Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – David Jones, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Steven Dove, Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Bland County Volunteer
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunications – Susan Fulcher, Martinsville – Henry County 911Center
An additional award was presented at the ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This award is a scholarship provided by the State EMS Advisory Board and funded by the Alliance for Emergency Medical Education and Research.
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship) – Michael A. Hoffman, II, Appomattox Volunteer Rescue Squad