April 30, 2012 MR 12-02: Every day, millions of men and women across the United States put their lives on the line in service to others. The story is no different in Sussex County, Delaware.
Several Sussex County emergency responders were recently honored at this year’s annual Sussex County EMS banquet, held at Independence Hall near Millsboro, to say ‘thank you’ for what they do to assist the residents of our community. The event was sponsored by the Sussex County Paramedic Association, Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association, and the Sussex County EMS.
Retired Buffalo, N.Y., fire commissioner Mike Lombardo served as the guest speaker. Commissioner Lombardo shared his experiences and perspectives as a firefighter and commissioner of the Buffalo Fire Department. Specifically, Commissioner Lombardo spoke of the sacrifices made by first responders and an often forgotten group, their families.
The banquet was hosted by local television personality Jimmy Hoppa of WBOC-TV with the following awards being presented:
Emergency Medical Technician of the District:
This award is given to eight (8) outstanding Emergency Medical Technicians throughout Sussex County, one (1) Emergency Medical Technician for each paramedic station’s district.
Medic 101 (Lincoln): Chris Clough, Carlisle Fire Company
Medic 102 (Laurel): Leagh Burge, Laurel Fire Department
Medic 103 (Millsboro): Robin Smith, Millsboro Fire Company
Medic 104 (Lewes): John Hazzard, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company
Medic 105 (Millville): Matt Sliwa, Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company
Medic 106 (Long Neck): Holly Donoway, Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad
Medic 107 (Bridgeville): Mario Street, Seaford Volunteer Fire Department
Medic 108 (Georgetown): Deanna Loeb, Georgetown American Legion Ambulance
Emergency Medical Technician of the Year:
Out of the eight (8) Emergency Medical Technicians, one was selected for Sussex County’s Emergency Medical Technician of the year. This year’s recipient is Deanna Loeb of the Georgetown American Legion Ambulance.
Emergency Medical Services Captain of the Year:
This award is presented to a Sussex County ambulance captain or supervisor who promotes quality emergency medical treatments, provides leadership and a commitment to excellence. This year’s recipient is Calvin Yelverton of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire Chief of the Year:
This award is presented to a Sussex County Fire Chief who promotes quality emergency medical treatments, provides leadership and a commitment to excellence. This year’s recipient is Fire Chief Jeff Hill of the Laurel Fire Department.
Cliff Lee Award:
This award recognizes a long history of extreme dedication to the emergency medical system and promoting the highest level of emergency medicine possible. This year’s recipient is Robert “Bob” Jones of the Delmar Fire Department.
Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year:
This award recognizes a dispatcher within Sussex County who consistently displays a high level of professionalism and dedication to excellence in emergency medical dispatch. This year’s recipient is Dispatcher Joseph Pepper of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center.
EMS Nurse of the Year:
This award is given to a nurse who shows a strong commitment to patient care that exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and dedication. This year’s recipient is Theresa “Terry” Thorley of Christiana Care LifeNet Helicopter.
EMS Physician of the Year:
This physician's actions or activities show a strong support for emergency medical services through patient care initiatives, paramedic education, trauma services, and community activities. This year’s recipient is Dr. Paul Cowan of Sussex Emergency Associates and Beebe Medical Center. Dr. Cowan is also Sussex County’s Associate Medical Director.
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Shift Excellence:
Each year, Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Shift Supervisors select paramedics from their shift who have done an outstanding job over the course of the year. These are awarded at the continuing education sessions in March.
Representing A Shift: Paramedic Rob Luksic
Representing B Shift: Paramedic/Field Training Officer Keith Bennett
Representing C Shift: Paramedic/Field Training Officer Dave Hammerer
Representing D Shift: Paramedic Paul Stillman
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Paramedic of the Year:
This award recognizes a Sussex County paramedic who exemplifying a professional attitude, clinical excellence and commitment to the highest standard in patient care. This paramedic maintains a performance level in patient care that serves as an example for others. This year’s recipient is Paramedic Lorri Bradley.
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Field Training Officer of the Year:
A Field Training Officer of the Year is selected by his/her co-workers for exemplary performance in the training, evaluation, coaching and mentoring of new employees, students, and veteran employees. This year’s recipient is Paramedic/Field Training Officer Jill Wix.
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services District Supervisor of the Year:
District Supervisor of the Year displays professionalism and leadership in the Supervision of others field medics to the highest standards of excellence. Examples include exemplary performance in human relations, emergency scene management, and project management. This year’s recipient is D – Shift West Supervisor Andy Wile.
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Administrative Excellence:
The Administrative Excellence Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated dedication and service to Sussex County Emergency Medical Services and the community through leadership, follow-through, and administrative support of Sussex County Emergency Medical Services personnel. This year’s recipient is EMS Office Manager Lynn Kleb.
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Caring People Award:
This award recognizes a private citizen for a lifesaving act in which quick thinking, fast action and heroism were demonstrated during an emergency event. Chelsea Whittaker of Lewes, Del., was recognized for her actions during a medical emergency and the assistance she provided for the patient’s family after the incident. On a separate medical emergency, Steve Brown of Long Neck, Del., was recognized for providing assistance to emergency responders at his neighbor’s residence.
Special Incident Award:
Sussex County Paramedics Eric Huovinen, Jordan Dattoli, Gabriella Evans along with Millville Volunteer Fire Company Emergency Medical Technicians Amber Gentry and Keith Baker Sr. were recognized for their quick and aggressive actions during an emergency incident involving a near-drowning victim. On June 18, 2011, these paramedics and emergency medical technicians were instrumental in saving the life of a 3-year-old boy who was found at the bottom of a swimming pool. The child was initially found not breathing and without a pulse. Thanks to the efforts of the bystanders and emergency personnel the child survived, neurologically intact, and was able to spend many more summers with his family and friends. After the providers were recognized by Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Director Robert Stuart, the patient’s mother spoke of her family’s experience and gave a heartfelt thanks to the responders, her “Angels”, and to all responders for the job they do each and every day.
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For more information, contact Public Information Officer Eric L. Huovinen at (302) 854-5255