GOVERNOR’S EMS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

November 21, 2013

(RICHMOND, Va.) – The 2013 Governor’s EMS Award winners were recently announced at the 34th Annual Governor’s EMS Awards Ceremony in Norfolk, Va. Governor Bob McDonnell recognized 10 outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their exceptional achievements and dedication to the EMS system.

The awards were presented in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services 34th 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. It welcomes more than 1,800 providers from across the Commonwealth and issues approximately 23,580 continuing education credits.

“It’s an honor to recognize the dedication and talent of Virginia’s EMS providers,” said State Health Commissioner Cynthia C. Romero, MD, FAAFP. “They are among the best in the field and they deserve to be commended for their commitment to providing quality emergency care to the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

“For more than 30 years, the EMS Symposium has offered an incredible educational opportunity to thousands of EMS providers statewide,” said Gary Brown, director, Office of EMS. “During this event, it’s only fitting to recognize the amazing achievements of these providers. Their outstanding efforts to better Virginia’s EMS system have exceeded the mark of excellence, and we’re happy to honor them with the highest award given at the state-level. Congratulations to this year’s Governor’s EMS Award winners! You are an inspiration to us all.”

The following 2013 Governor’s EMS Award winners were recognized:

  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – L.V. Pokey Harris, Black Diamond Search and Rescue
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Administrator (The Kent J. Weber Trophy) – Curtis Sheets, Wintergreen Fire and Rescue
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) – David L. Justis, MD, Riverside Health Systems
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Camela Crittenden, BSN, RN, Bon Secours Health System
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Prehospital Educator – Melissa Doak, York County Department of Fire and Life Safety
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Prehospital Provider – William “Berk” Jones, EMT-I, Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health & Safety – James City County Fire Department
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Jon Mason, MD, Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters Emergency Department
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Galax-Grayson Emergency Medical Services
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunications – Zachary Beckner, Roanoke City E-911 Center

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.

  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship) – Colby Rountree, Southampton High School, Franklin Fire and Rescue, Boykins Volunteer Fire and Rescue