Awards & Ceremony

MEDALS FOR VALOR

Medal of Valor

To be eligible for the Medal of Valor, the nominee must:

Be a uniformed EMS provider (EMD, MFR, EMT, EMT-S, EMT-P) serving in an official duty capacity at the time of the incident.

Have performed a single, clearly identifiable act of valor or heroism while delivering emergency medical care.

The act must have occurred during an acute incident, not as part of a prolonged or routine operational response.

Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor is the highest honor awarded to prehospital EMS personnel for acts of extraordinary courage, selflessness, and professional judgment performed while providing emergency medical care under exceptional and unavoidable danger. This award recognizes rare incidents in which immediate action was required to prevent loss of life despite circumstances that placed the provider at significant personal risk.

While EMS personnel are trained to prioritize personal and scene safety, this award acknowledges those exceptional moments in which danger could not be fully mitigated and decisive action was necessary to preserve life. The Medal of Valor is rarely conferred and reserved for the most extraordinary cases.

Maximum Awards Per Year: None. This award is not expected to be issued annually and may be withheld in any year to preserve its distinction.

Medal of Valor

Nominees must meet the highest standard of valor, as determined by the Awards Committee. All of the following elements must be present:

Direct Life-Saving Impact: The nominee’s actions directly resulted in the saving of a life or produced a substantial and immediate improvement in the patient’s likelihood of survival.

Unavoidable and Exceptional Danger: The incident involved extraordinary circumstances in which danger was immediate, inherent, and could not be fully eliminated, such as:

Uncontrolled or rapidly evolving hazards;
Extreme environmental or structural conditions;
Time-critical situations where delay would almost certainly result in death.
NOTE: Routine occupational risk alone does not meet this standard.

Sound Professional Judgment and Scene Safety: The nominee’s actions must reflect appropriate professional judgment and adherence to scene safety principles to the greatest extent reasonably possible under the circumstances.

This award does NOT recognize reckless behavior, unnecessary self-endangerment, or actions taken in disregard of established safety practices.

Decisive, Singular Act of Heroism: The award recognizes a specific, time-limited act of courage and decisiveness, not sustained performance, prolonged operational excellence, or cumulative career achievement.

Medal of Valor

A complete nomination must include:

A detailed narrative describing the incident, including date, time, location, and circumstances.

A clear description of the specific actions taken by the nominee that demonstrate valor.

Corroborating statements from colleagues, supervisors, law enforcement, fire personnel, or credible witnesses.

Supporting documentation, when available, such as patient outcomes, official reports, or media coverage.

Medal of Valor

All nominations will undergo a formal and comprehensive review by the Awards Committee, consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and Medical Control Authority officials.

The committee must determine that the nominee’s actions meet the highest threshold of valor, clearly exceeding the criteria for all other awards within the program.

The Medal of Valor may be withheld in any year if no nomination fully meets the required standard, in order to preserve the integrity, intent, and prestige of the award.

Lifesaving Medal

To be eligible for the Lifesaving Medal, the nominee must:

Be a certified EMS provider (EMD, MFR, EMT, EMT-S, EMT-P) at the time of the incident.

The intervention must have occurred while off duty, without expectation of response, compensation, or obligation to act.

The nominee must have provided direct medical care or a lifesaving intervention that contributed to a positive patient outcome.

The nominee must not have been acting in an official EMS, fire, or law enforcement capacity at the time of the incident.

Lifesaving Medal

The Lifesaving Medal recognizes an EMS provider who, while off duty and acting in an unofficial capacity, used their training, judgment, and initiative to deliver a direct lifesaving intervention that resulted in a positive patient outcome. This award honors rare instances in which an EMS professional’s actions clearly exceeded what would reasonably be expected of an untrained civilian bystander.

This medal is rarely conferred and is reserved for exceptional off-duty interventions that demonstrate the meaningful application of EMS skills outside of an official response role.

Maximum Awards Per Year: None. This award is not expected to be issued annually and is granted only in rare and deserving cases.

Lifesaving Medal

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Immediate and Decisive Action: The nominee recognized a life-threatening emergency and took prompt, appropriate action outside of their normal work environment.

Application of EMS Training and Judgment: The intervention clearly reflected the intentional use of EMS knowledge, skills, or clinical judgment, rather than actions that would typically be expected of a layperson.

Meaningful Impact on Patient Survival: The nominee’s actions significantly improved the patient’s chance of survival or clinical outcome prior to the arrival of on-duty EMS resources.

Above Civilian Bystander Expectations: The act went beyond what an average bystander would reasonably be expected to do, even if the action itself (e.g., CPR) is commonly taught to the public.

Unofficial Capacity: The nominee was acting voluntarily and independently, and not as part of an organized response or assigned duty.

Note: Examples of qualifying actions may include but are not limited to: high-quality CPR with early defibrillation, control of life-threatening hemorrhage, rescue and initial care of a drowning victim, or other critical medical interventions in public or private settings.

Lifesaving Medal

A complete nomination must include:

A detailed narrative describing the incident, including date, time, location, and circumstances.

A clear description of the specific actions and how those actions directly impacted patient outcome.

Corroborating statements from witnesses, responding EMS personnel, law enforcement, or supervisors.

Supporting documentation, when available, such as patient outcomes, incident reports, or media coverage.

Lifesaving Medal

All nominations will undergo a formal and comprehensive review by the Awards Committee, consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and Medical Control Authority officials.

The committee will verify the facts and determine whether the nominee’s actions were exceptional, off-duty, and clearly attributable to EMS training and experience.

The Lifesaving Medal may be withheld in any year if no nomination fully meets the established criteria.

MEDALS FOR MERIT

Distinguished EMS Cross

To be eligible for the Distinguished EMS Cross, the nominee must:

Be an EMS professional of any discipline or role (EMD, MFR, EMT, EMT-S, EMT-P, EMS leadership).

Have demonstrated sustained, exceptional contributions to EMS over an extended period of time.

Have produces system-level or profession-wide impact, rather than achievement limited to a single incident or role.

Distinguished EMS Cross

The Distinguished EMS Cross is the highest medal awarded for merit within the EMS profession. It recognizes an EMS professional whose sustained contributions have fundamentally influenced the practice, structure, education, or advancement of EMS at a system-wide or profession-wide level.

This award honors individuals whose work has reshaped EMS beyond their immediate organization, producing lasting change that extends across agencies, regions, or the profession as a whole. It is conferred only in the absence of extreme or heroic circumstances and is exceedingly rare.

Maximum Awards Per Year: None. This award is not expected to be issued annually.

Distinguished EMS Cross

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Profession-Level Impact: The nominee’s work has significantly influenced EMS practice, policy, education, leadership, or innovation beyond a single agency or jurisdiction.

Sustained Excellence Over Time: Contributions have been ongoing for many years, resulting in durable, widely recognized improvements in EMS.

Leadership at the Highest Level: The nominee is recognized as a leader, mentor, and authoritative voice within EMS, whose guidance and vision have shaped others.

Advancement of EMS as a Discipline: Contributions may include major protocol frameworks, statewide or regional system development, landmark quality initiatives, influential education programs, or other efforts that advanced EMS as a profession.

Extraordinary Merit Beyond Normal Expectations: The nominee’s influence and dedication far exceed even senior leadership responsibilities.

Distinguished EMS Cross

A complete nomination must include:

Comprehensive documentation of the nominee’s career-spanning contributions and their broader impact.

Multiple supporting letters from recognized leaders, agencies, or institutions within EMS.

Evidence of system-wide influence, such as policy adoption, educational reach, or enduring programmatic change.

Supporting documentation, including peer recognition, publications, or prior awards.

Distinguished EMS Cross

All nominations will undergo a formal and comprehensive review by the Awards Committee, consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and Medical Control Authority officials.

The committee must determine that the nominee’s contributions represent one of the highest expressions of professional excellence in EMS.

The Distinguished EMS Cross may be withheld indefinitely if no nominations meet this threshold.

Distinguished Service Medal

The Distinguished Service Medal recognizes an EMS professional who has demonstrated exceptional, sustained service and leadership within EMS, resulting in substantial and lasting improvement at the organizational, regional, or community level.

This award honors individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and long-term contributions have meaningfully strengthened EMS operations, education, or patient care, without rising to the profession-wide influence required for the Distinguished EMS Cross.

Maximum Awards Per Year: None. This award is rarely given and reserved for exceptional cases.

Distinguished Service Medal

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Long-Term Organizational or Regional Impact: The nominee has substantially enhanced EMS operations, education, leadership, or innovation within their organization or region.

Sustained Dedication and Excellence: Contributions reflect consistent commitment and high performance over several years.

Leadership and Professionalism: The nominee serves as a mentor, role model, and leader, positively influencing peers and organizational culture.

Advancement of EMS Practice: Contributions may include protocol development, quality improvement initiatives, training programs, or major operational improvements.

Service Beyond Standard Expectations: The nominee’s dedication and impact clearly exceed normal job responsibilities.

Distinguished Service Medal

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee will determine if the nominee’s contributions meet the highest standards of EMS excellence.

No limit on annual awards, but it is rarely given, and granted only in exceptional cases.

Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes an EMS professional for an exceptional act or service within EMS that clearly goes above and beyond the call of duty and results in substantial impact to patient care, public safety, or EMS operations. This award honors actions or contributions that exceed standard professional expectations and represent a high level of merit, without rising to the system- or profession-wide scope required for the Distinguished Service Medal.

This award may recognize a single high-impact event or a defined period of sustained, exceptional service. It is awarded selectively and is not intended for routine performance.

Maximum Awards Per Year: Up to 2. This award may be withheld in any year to preserve its integrity and prestige.

Meritorious Service Medal

To be eligible for the Meritorious Service Medal, the nominee must:

Be an EMS provider of any discipline or role (EMD, MFR, EMT, EMT-S, EMT-P, EMS leadership).

Have performed a noteworthy act of service or achievement that significantly contributed to patient care, operational success, or public safety.

The contribution may involve a single incident or event, or a clearly defined period of sustained service, but must exceed normal job expectations.

Meritorious Service Medal

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Exceptional Contribution to EMS: The nominee’s actions produced a clear and meaningful benefit to patient outcomes, provider safety, operational effectiveness, or EMS system performance.

Service Beyond Standard Expectations: The act or contribution significantly exceeded what would reasonably be expected within the nominee’s assigned role, demonstrating initiative, leadership, or uncommon dedication.

High-Impact Event or Sustained Exceptional Service: The recognition is based on either:

A single, high-consequence event or initiative, or
A defined period of sustained service that produced lasting benefit.
Note: Routine longevity or consistent job performance alone does not qualify.

Demonstrated Professional Excellence: The nominee’s actions reflect superior judgment, competence, professionalism, and leadership, serving as a model for others in the EMS community.

Meritorious Service Medal

A complete nomination must include:

A detailed description of the event or service, including date, location, and context.

A clear explanation of the nominee’s specific actions and why they were exceptional.

Corroborating statements from witnesses, colleagues, supervisors, or partnering agencies.

Supporting documentation, such as EMS reports, operational records, or other relevant materials.

Meritorious Service Medal

All nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee will verify the facts, merit, and impact of the nominee’s actions.

The Meritorious Service Medal may be withheld in any year if no nominations meet the required standard.

EMS Commendation Medal

The EMS Commendation Medal recognizes an EMS professional for noteworthy service, achievement, or sustained contribution that positively impacts EMS operations, patient care, training, or community engagement. This award honors individuals whose actions reflect exceptional dedication and professionalism, and who have made a meaningful contribution deserving of formal recognition.

This medal is intended to be awarded more frequently than higher-tier merit medals, while still maintaining selectivity and significance.

Maximum Awards Per Year: Up to 5. This award may be withheld in any year to preserve its prestige.

EMS Commendation Medal

To be eligible for the EMS Commendation Medal, the nominee must:

Be an EMS provider of any discipline or role (EMD, MFR, EMT, EMT-S, EMT-P, EMS leadership).

Have performed a noteworthy act of service or achievement that significantly contributed to patient care, operational success, or public safety.

The contribution may involve a single incident or event, or a clearly defined period of sustained service, but must exceed normal job expectations.

EMS Commendation Medal

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Noteworthy Service to EMS: The nominee’s actions, leadership, or contributions produced a positive and measurable benefit to the EMS system, patients, providers, or community.

Performance Beyond Routine Expectations: The contribution exceeded normal job responsibilities through initiative, dedication, leadership, or consistent high-quality effort.

Single Achievement or Sustained Contribution: Recognition may be based on:

A specific noteworthy event or accomplishment, or
Ongoing contributions that strengthened EMS operations, culture, or effectiveness over time.

Positive Influence on EMS Personnel or System: The nominee’s service positively influenced patient outcomes, provider performance, morale, education, safety, or public trust.

EMS Commendation Medal

A complete nomination must include:

A detailed description of the nominee’s contributions, including nature, scope, and duration.

A summary of specific actions that distinguish the nominee as deserving of commendation.

Supporting statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members.

Supporting documentation, such as reports, evaluations, or other relevant materials (if applicable).

Community Service Medal

To be eligible for the Community Service Medal, the nominee must:

Be an EMS professional of any level or role (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, Dispatcher, EMS leadership).

Have demonstrated a significant and measurable impact on community EMS initiatives, including public education, outreach, recruitment, advocacy, or partnership development.

The contribution may consist of a single, outstanding initiative or a sustained effort over time, but must clearly exceed routine expectations.

Community Service Medal

The Community Service Medal recognizes an EMS professional who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in the non-patient-care aspects of a community’s EMS system. This award honors individuals whose efforts have significantly strengthened EMS public engagement, education, outreach, and community partnerships, resulting in lasting benefit to the EMS system and the public it serves.

This medal is intended to recognize substantial community-facing contributions that go well beyond routine participation or volunteerism. It is awarded selectively and is not intended for general service or attendance-based activities.

Maximum Awards Per Year: Up to 2. This award may be withheld in any year to preserve its integrity and prestige.

Community Service Medal

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Exceptional Commitment to EMS Public Engagement: The nominee played a central role in advancing EMS-related community programs, public education efforts, awareness campaigns, or outreach initiatives.

Meaningful Improvement in Public Awareness or Preparedness: The nominee’s contributions resulted in a demonstrable improvement in public understanding of EMS services, emergency preparedness, injury prevention, or access to care.

Leadership in Community-Focused EMS Efforts: The nominee demonstrated leadership, initiative, and accountability in fostering strong EMS–community relationships, partnerships, mentorship, or volunteer coordination.

Sustained and Lasting Community Impact: The nominee’s efforts produced enduring benefits for the EMS system or the communities served, rather than short-term or isolated outcomes.

Clearly Distinguished from Operational Recognition: The contribution is primarily non-clinical and non-operational in nature, and is not more appropriately recognized through valor, lifesaving, or operational merit awards.

Community Service Medal

A complete nomination must include:

A detailed description of the nominee’s community-focused contributions, including specific programs, initiatives, or projects.

A clear explanation of the nominee’s role and actions and why they were exceptional.

Supporting statements from community members, EMS leadership, public officials, or partner organizations.

Supporting documentation, such as program outcomes, participation metrics, media coverage, or official records (if applicable).

Community Service Medal

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee will verify the impact, scope, and significance of the nominee’s contributions.

The Community Service Medal may be withheld in any year if no nomination meets the established standard.

CIVILIAN MEDALS

EMS Recognition Service Medal

To be eligible for the EMS Recognition Service Medal, the nominee must:

Be a Non-EMS personnel, including but not limited to police officers, non-EMS firefighters, lifeguards, private security personnel, public safety officials, or other individuals who are not credentialed EMS providers.

Have provided exceptional assistance or support during an EMS emergency, incident, or operation.

Have contributed in a manner that significantly enhanced patient care, responder safety, or EMS operational effectiveness.

Must not be eligible for EMS-specific valor, lifesaving, or merit awards.

EMS Recognition Service Medal

The EMS Recognition Service Medal recognizes non-EMS personnel who provided exceptional assistance, support, or service during an EMS emergency, event, or operation, resulting in a significant positive impact on patient care, public safety, or EMS system performance. This award honors individuals who played a critical and clearly demonstrable role in supporting an EMS response, despite not serving in an EMS capacity.

This medal is reserved for rare and deserving cases in which a non-EMS individual’s actions materially contributed to the success of an EMS operation or emergency response.

Maximum Awards Per Year: None. This award is not expected to be issued annually and may be withheld to preserve its distinction.

EMS Recognition Service Medal

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Exceptional Assistance in Support of EMS Operations: The nominee’s actions directly and measurably improved an EMS response, emergency operation, or patient outcome.

Service Beyond Normal Expectations: The assistance provided exceeded what would reasonably be expected within the nominee’s usual role or responsibilities.

Critical Operational or Life-Saving Impact: The nominee’s involvement played a meaningful role in resolving a critical situation, preserving life, or enabling EMS personnel to perform their duties effectively.

Effective Collaboration with EMS Personnel: The nominee worked in close coordination with EMS responders in a manner demonstrating teamwork, situational awareness, and sound judgment.

Clearly Supportive Role: The recognition reflects support of EMS operations, rather than independent action more appropriately recognized by another agency or award system.

EMS Recognition Service Medal

A complete nomination must include:

Detailed description of the incident or operation, including date, location, and circumstances.

A clear explanation of the nominee’s specific actions and their impact on the EMS response.

Supporting statements from EMS personnel, law enforcement, supervisors, or witnesses.

Supporting documentation, such as official reports, after-action reviews, or media coverage (if applicable).

EMS Recognition Service Medal

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee will verify the facts, merit, and significance of the nominee’s contributions.

The EMS Recognition Service Medal may be withheld in any year if no nomination meets the established standard.

Civilian Medal of Merit

The Civilian Medal of Merit recognizes a private citizen who demonstrated exceptional initiative, courage, or advocacy in support of an EMS response or during a medical emergency, resulting in a significant positive impact on patient outcome or emergency operations.

This award honors civilians who, without professional obligation or training, took decisive and effective action under extraordinary circumstances. It is reserved for rare and deserving cases and is not intended for routine bystander assistance.

Maximum Awards Per Year: None. This award is not expected to be issued annually and may be withheld to preserve its distinction.

Civilian Medal of Merit

To be eligible for the Civilian Medal of Merit, the nominee must:

Be a private citizen who is not a credentialed EMS provider, firefighter, law enforcement officer, or professional first responder.

Have played a critical and clearly demonstrable role during a medical emergency or EMS-related incident.

Have taken action that significantly assisted EMS personnel or directly contributed to a life-saving outcome.

Must not be eligible for EMS-specific or responder-based awards.

Civilian Medal of Merit

All of the following elements must be present for consideration:

Exceptional Civilian Action or Advocacy: The nominee took decisive, purposeful action during an emergency or demonstrated extraordinary advocacy that materially supported an EMS response.

Extraordinary Circumstances: The incident involved unusual urgency, danger, complexity, or pressure requiring immediate action beyond what is typically expected of a bystander.

Direct Impact on Patient Outcome or EMS Response: The nominee’s actions directly contributed to saving a life, preventing serious harm, or significantly improving the effectiveness of the EMS response.

Courage and Sound Judgment: The nominee acted with courage, awareness, and appropriate judgment under stressful conditions, without recklessness or unnecessary risk-taking.

Clearly Civilian in Nature: The actions were taken voluntarily and independently and are not more appropriately recognized by a public safety or professional award system.

Civilian Medal of Merit

A complete nomination must include:

Detailed description of the incident, including date, location, and circumstances.

A clear explanation of the nominee’s specific actions and their impact on the outcome.

Supporting statements from EMS providers, law enforcement personnel, or credible witnesses.

Supporting documentation, such as official reports, after-action summaries, or media coverage (if applicable).

Civilian Medal of Merit

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee will verify the facts, merit, and significance of the nominee’s contributions.

The Civilian Medal of Merit may be withheld in any year if no nomination meets the established standard.

ANNUAL AWARDS

Paramedic of the Year

Nominee must be a currently licensed paramedic actively practicing in an EMS patient care role.

The nominee’s primary role must be direct patient care, not an administrative position.

The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.

Recognition is based primarily on contributions made during the preceding calendar year.

Paramedic of the Year

Honors a currently licensed paramedic working in mobile intensive care, mobile specialty care, or aeromedical EMS who has demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and leadership during the preceding year.

This award recognizes individuals whose performance has had a meaningful and measurable impact on patient care, EMS system performance, disaster preparedness, public education, and/or training, while consistently exemplifying the highest standards of clinical practice and professionalism.

Max awards per year: 1

Paramedic of the Year

Direct Patient Care Excellence: The nominee has consistently provided high-quality patient care and demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence.

Leadership in EMS Advancement: The individual has contributed significantly to quality assurance, system improvement, or innovation in EMS operations.

Disaster Preparedness & Response: The nominee has played a vital role in emergency preparedness efforts, response coordination, or disaster training.

Public Education & Training: The nominee has made a significant impact on EMS training, public education, or community outreach programs.

Service Above & Beyond the Call of Duty: The individual has gone above and beyond their normal job responsibilities, making a lasting impact on the EMS community.

Paramedic of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee’s contributions, including specific patient care excellence, leadership efforts, or community impact.

Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an EMS professional.

Statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.

Supporting documentation, including patient care examples, training initiatives, or quality improvement efforts.

Paramedic of the Year

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee verifies the nominee’s contributions, leadership, and service to EMS.

Award is given annually to one outstanding paramedic who meets the highest standards of EMS excellence.

EMT of the Year

Nominee must be a currently licensed EMT-Basic or EMT-Specialist actively practicing in an EMS patient care role within the county at the time of nomination.

The nominee’s primary role must be direct patient care, not an administrative position.

The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.

Recognition is based primarily on contributions made during the preceding calendar year.

EMT of the Year

Honors a currently licensed EMT-Basic or EMT-Specialist who has demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and leadership during the preceding year. The award will be personalized with the awardees specific license level.

This award recognizes individuals whose performance has had a meaningful and measurable impact on patient care, EMS system performance, disaster preparedness, public education, and/or training, while consistently exemplifying the highest standards of clinical practice and professionalism.

Max awards per year: 1

EMT of the Year

Excellence in Direct Patient Care: The nominee has consistently provided high-quality, compassionate patient care.

Commitment to EMS Advancement: The individual has contributed to quality improvement, training, or system development to enhance EMS operations.

Disaster Preparedness & Response: The nominee has played a key role in emergency preparedness, disaster response, or multi-agency coordination.

Public Education & Training: The nominee has made a significant impact on EMS training, community outreach, or public safety education.

Service Above & Beyond the Call of Duty: The individual has gone above and beyond their normal job responsibilities, demonstrating exceptional dedication and leadership.

EMT of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee’s contributions, including specific patient care excellence, leadership efforts, or community impact.

Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an EMS professional.

Statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.

Supporting documentation, including patient care examples, training initiatives, or quality improvement efforts.

EMT of the Year

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee verifies the nominee’s contributions, leadership, and service to EMS.

Award is given annually to one outstanding EMT-B or EMT-S who meets the highest standards of EMS excellence.

MFR of the Year

Nominee must be a licensed Medical First Responder actively practicing in an EMS or public safety patient care role within the county at the time of nomination.

The nominee’s primary role must be direct patient care, not an administrative position.

The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS or public safety services.

Recognition is based primarily on contributions made during the preceding calendar year.

MFR of the Year

Honors a Medical First Responder (MFR) who has demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and leadership during the preceding year.

This award recognizes an individual whose performance has had a meaningful and measurable impact on on-scene patient care, rescue operations, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, and/or training, while exemplifying the highest standards of service, professionalism, and commitment to public safety.

Max awards per year: 1

MFR of the Year

Excellence in On-Scene Patient Care: The nominee demonstrated quick thinking, lifesaving interventions, and exceptional first response skills.

Commitment to EMS & Public Safety: The nominee has contributed to public safety education, training, or emergency preparedness initiatives.

Disaster Response & Rescue Excellence: The nominee has played a critical role in emergency or disaster response, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership.

Public Education & Training Contributions: The nominee has significantly impacted EMS training or public outreach efforts.

Service Above & Beyond the Call of Duty: The nominee has exceeded standard job expectations, demonstrating outstanding dedication to the EMS community.

Dispatcher of the Year

Nominee must be a currently licensed Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or 9-1-1 telecommunicator actively serving in an emergency communications role within the county at the time of nomination.

The nominee must serve in a position that directly impacts the EMS response, patient care, or public safety.

The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.

Recognition is based primarily on contributions made during the preceding calendar year.

Dispatcher of the Year

Honors a licensed Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or 9-1-1 telecommunicator who has demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and leadership during the preceding year.

This award recognizes an individual whose performance in emergency call processing, decision-making, and pre-arrival instruction has had a meaningful and measurable impact on patient outcomes, responder safety, EMS system effectiveness, public education, and/or disaster preparedness.

Max awards per year: 1

Dispatcher of the Year

Excellence in Emergency Call Processing: The nominee demonstrated exceptional call-handling skills, decision-making, and pre-arrival instructions that improved patient care.

Life-Saving or Critical Incident Response: The nominee’s actions directly impacted a patient’s survival or significantly improved emergency response efforts.

Public Education & 9-1-1 Awareness: The nominee has played a role in educating the public on how to effectively use 9-1-1, CPR instructions, or disaster preparedness.

Composure & Leadership Under Pressure: The nominee remained calm, professional, and effective in a high-stress or extraordinary situation.

Dispatcher of the Year

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee verifies the nominee’s contributions, leadership, and service to EMS.

Award is given annually to one outstanding EMD who meets the highest standards of EMS excellence.

Firefighter of the Year

Nominee must be an active firefighter serving in a career, volunteer, or industrial fire department within the county at the time of nomination.

The nominee’s primary role must be firefighting, rescue, or fire service operations, rather than routine EMS patient care.

The individual must have demonstrated outstanding service, heroism, leadership, or innovation that significantly contributed to fire service operations and public safety.

Recognition is based primarily on contributions made during the preceding calendar year.

Firefighter of the Year

Honors an active firefighter who has demonstrated exceptional professional excellence, leadership, bravery, and dedication during the preceding year.

This award recognizes an individual whose performance has had a meaningful and measurable impact on fire suppression, rescue operations, community risk reduction, public education, and/or disaster response, while exemplifying the highest standards of service, professionalism, and commitment to public safety.

Max awards per year: 1

Firefighter of the Year

Excellence in Fire Suppression & Rescue: The nominee has demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and effectiveness in fireground operations or rescue situations.

Above & Beyond the Call of Duty: The nominee has exceeded standard job expectations, demonstrating selflessness, courage, and dedication.

Commitment to Public Education & Fire Prevention: The nominee has contributed to fire safety education, fire prevention programs, or community outreach efforts.

Exceptional Leadership in Training & Mentorship: The nominee has taken a leadership role in training new firefighters, improving safety practices, or mentoring team members.

Disaster Response & Incident Command Excellence: The nominee has played a key role in major fire incidents, disaster relief, or large-scale emergency operations.

EMS Agency of the Year

The agency must be a licensed prehospital EMS Agency (EMD, MFR, BLS, or ALS) operating within the county at the time of nomination.

The agency must have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and impact in EMS at the local, regional, or state level.

The agency must have taken concrete, measurable steps to improve patient care, clinician safety, and system-wide performance.

Recognition is based primarily on achievements and initiatives implemented during the preceding calendar year.

EMS Agency of the Year

Honors a licensed prehospital EMS agency that has demonstrated exceptional organizational excellence and leadership during the preceding year.

This award recognizes an agency whose collective performance has produced meaningful and measurable improvements in patient care, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, training, and system integration, while advancing quality improvement, provider safety, and EMS best practices within the community it serves.

Max awards per year: 1

EMS Agency of the Year

Leadership in EMS & Community Engagement: The agency has assumed a leadership role in EMS at the local or state level, actively contributing to system improvements.

Excellence in Patient Care & Quality Assurance: Demonstrates superior patient outcomes, continuous quality improvement initiatives, and strong medical oversight.

Innovation & Use of New Medical Trends & Technologies: The agency has successfully adopted cutting-edge medical treatments, technologies, or best practices to improve care.

Commitment to Public Education & Training: Actively involved in EMS education, professional development, and community outreach programs.

Disaster Preparedness & System Integration: The agency has successfully integrated into regional emergency management plans and disaster response systems.

EMS Agency of the Year

Detailed description of the agency’s contributions, including leadership efforts, innovations, or impact on EMS operations.

Specific actions taken by the agency that set it apart as an industry leader.

Statements from EMS personnel, medical directors, or community leaders supporting the nomination.

Supporting documentation, including performance metrics, patient care data, training initiatives, or community outreach programs.

EMS Agency of the Year

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee verifies the agency’s contributions, leadership, and overall impact on EMS.

Award is given annually to one outstanding EMS agency who meets the highest standards of EMS excellence.

INCIDENT SPECIFIC RECOGNITIONS

Phoenix Award

Open to all levels of EMS and emergency response personnel involved in cardiac arrest care.

Nominee(s) must have been directly involved in the emergency dispatch, assessment, resuscitation, or management of a cardiac arrest patient, either individually or as part of a coordinated response.

The award is nomination-based only and is not automatically issued for any cardiac arrest, including cases involving CPR, defibrillation, ROSC, or hospital admission.

Phoenix Award

The Phoenix Award recognizes exceptional performance in the care and management of cardiac arrest patients by EMS personnel or emergency responders. This recognition honors individuals or teams whose actions during a cardiac arrest event demonstrate high-level clinical skill, sound judgment, coordinated teamwork, and disciplined execution of resuscitative care under demanding and time-critical conditions.

The Phoenix Award is not a routine recognition and is not automatically issued for the occurrence of cardiac arrest, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), or patient survival. Rather, it is intended to acknowledge noteworthy resuscitative performance, including the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based cardiac arrest care that reflects strong preparation, focus, and professionalism during a high-stakes clinical event.

Max awards per year: Unlimited

Phoenix Award

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:

High-Quality Resuscitative Care: Consistent delivery of effective CPR, timely defibrillation, appropriate airway management, medication administration, and adherence to cardiac arrest best practices.

Clinical Judgment and Decision-Making: Appropriate assessment, prioritization, and management of resuscitative interventions based on patient presentation and evolving clinical conditions.

Team Coordination and Leadership: Effective communication, role clarity, and coordination among responders that enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the resuscitation effort.

Operational Excellence Under Pressure: Maintained focus, organization, and professionalism during a time-sensitive, high-stress cardiac arrest response.

Meaningful Clinical Contribution: Recognition is based on the quality of care delivered and actions taken, not solely on patient outcome, ROSC, or survival.

Phoenix Award

Detailed description of the incident, including the circumstances, resuscitative efforts, and the specific actions taken by the nominee.

Supporting documentation, such as patient care reports, dispatch records, incident summaries, or written statements from involved personnel or supervisors.

Clear justification explaining why the nominee’s actions merit Phoenix Award consideration based on the quality and execution of cardiac arrest care.

Phoenix Award

The nomination will be thoroughly reviewed by the Awards Committee consisting of EMS leadership, fire department representatives, and medical control authority officials.

The committee will evaluate the clinical care provided, the coordination of the resuscitation effort, and professionalism demonstrated during the cardiac arrest event.

Issuance of the Phoenix Award is entirely discretionary and may be approved or denied regardless of patient outcome.

Phoenix Awards may be issued throughout the year as qualifying incidents occur.

Stork Award

Open to all levels of EMS personnel, including Medical First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics, and Emergency Medical Dispatchers who provided pre-arrival childbirth instructions.
The nominee must have been directly involved in a prehospital childbirth, including on-scene delivery or critical pre-arrival guidance.
The delivery must have occurred outside of a hospital setting, such as a residence, vehicle, roadside location, EMS unit, or other emergency environment.

Stork Award

The Stork Award recognizes EMS personnel who successfully assist in the prehospital delivery of a newborn outside of a hospital setting. This recognition honors professionalism, composure, teamwork, and clinical skill demonstrated during an unplanned or emergent childbirth, resulting in safe care for both mother and newborn.

The Stork Award acknowledges the unique challenges of out-of-hospital childbirth and celebrates providers who effectively manage these high-stress, time-sensitive events.

Max awards per year: Unlimited

Stork Award

Successful Prehospital Childbirth Assistance: The nominee played a direct role in the safe delivery of a newborn and initial care of the mother.

Calm and Professional Management Under Pressure: The nominee demonstrated composure, sound judgment, and effective clinical skills during an unpredictable or emergent birth.

Teamwork & Communication: The response reflected effective coordination among EMS personnel and, when applicable, communication with dispatch or receiving facilities.

Neonatal & Maternal Care Excellence: The nominee ensured appropriate newborn assessment and care, as well as maternal stabilization, consistent with training and best practices.