FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 10, 2021
Media Contact: Marian Hunter, Marian.Hunter@vdh.virginia.gov
2021 Governor’s EMS Award Winners Announced at 41st Annual Virginia EMS Symposium
(RICHMOND, Va.) – On Saturday, November 6, the 2021 Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award winners were announced during the 41st Annual Virginia EMS Symposium and Governor’s EMS Awards ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. These awards, given in Governor Ralph Northam’s name, recognize outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their demonstrated level of excellence and dedication to the EMS system.
Presented in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services’ Annual EMS Symposium, the awards ceremony caps off the week-long training event. The symposium offers attendees the opportunity to earn up to 26 hours of continuing education credits for recertification as an EMS provider via more than 300 class sessions and various course tracks.
“I am always so honored and humbled to recognize the nominees and recipients of the Governor’s EMS Awards, which acknowledge the outstanding contributions and achievements of EMS providers and organizations in the Commonwealth,” said Gary Brown, director, Virginia Office of EMS. “I am proud of Virginia’s EMS providers and especially in awe of the accomplishments made by this year’s Governor’s EMS Award recipients. Thank you for your commitment to Virginia’s EMS System and congratulations on your well-deserved award recognition.”
“The award recipients represent a broad spectrum of first responders, prehospital providers, organizations and agencies that serve communities throughout Virginia. When a call is made to 911, it is reassuring to know that these dedicated professionals and organizations and others like them are standing by and ready to provide life-saving assistance,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A. “Their stories of commitment and bravery are inspiring, humbling and motivating. Congratulations to all.”
The 2021 Governor’s EMS Award winners are:
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – Craig DeAtley, Fairfax County Police Department
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS (The Kent J. Weber Trophy) – Gregory Woods, Southwest Virginia EMS Council
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) – This year, two extraordinary physicians were selected:
- John Morgan, M.D., Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
- Norman Rexrode, M.D., Russell County Hospital
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Greta Morrison, R.N., Russell County Hospital
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Educator – Kelsey Rideout, Fredericksburg Fire Department, Mary Washington Healthcare, AHA Training Center
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Provider – Candace Brown, Lynchburg Fire Department
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – Kelley Rumsey, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Jill Lucas Drakeford, Carilion Clinic
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication – Daniel Hartsock, Washington County 911, Washington County Lifesaving Crew
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response (The James A. Nogle, Jr. Trophy) – Cindy Williams, Riverside Health System
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Innovation Excellence in EMS – James Huffman, Virginia EMS Regional Directors Group, Regional Council Technology Support
An additional award is presented at the ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the Virginia Office of EMS in conjunction with the State EMS Advisory Board.
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship) – Madyson Wilkerson, Halifax County Rescue Squad