Emergency personnel honored during annual banquet

[Georgetown, Del. - June 23, 2015] Several Sussex County emergency responders and healthcare professionals were recently honored during the annual Sussex County EMS banquet, held at the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company in early June to honor those whose dedication and professionalism help to save lives every day.

Stephen D. Carey, MD, of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, served as the guest speaker at the June 5 event, providing information to the audience regarding his years of experience as a trauma surgeon and the growth of the trauma system within Sussex County and Delaware.  The annual banquet, sponsored by the Sussex County Paramedic Association, Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association, and Sussex County EMS, is held each year to celebrate the EMS and medical community. Jimmy Hoppa of WBOC-TV 16 served as Master of Ceremonies.

The following awards were presented:

Emergency Medical Technician of the District:  

This award is given to eight outstanding emergency medical technicians (EMTs) throughout Sussex County, one for each County paramedic station’s district. Recipients include:

Medic 101 (Lincoln): Craig Farren, Carlisle Fire Company

Medic 102 (Laurel): Doug Butler, Laurel Fire Department

Medic 103 (Millsboro): Frank Bunting, Frankford Volunteer Fire Company

Medic 104 (Lewes): Ashton Bradley, Lewes Fire Department

Medic 105 (Millville): Brian McConlogue, Millville Volunteer Fire Company

Medic 106 (Long Neck): Holly Donoway, Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad

Medic 107 (Bridgeville): Jeff Hill, Seaford Volunteer Fire Company

Medic 108 (Georgetown): Matt Heck, Georgetown American Legion Ambulance

Emergency Medical Technician of the Year:

The Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association selected Sussex County’s Emergency Medical Technician of the Year. This year’s recipient is John Huegel of Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

Fire Chief of the Year:

This award is presented to a Sussex County fire chief who promotes emergency medical services operations, provides leadership, and a commitment to excellence. This year’s recipient is Fire Chief Thomas Jones of the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company.

Cliff Lee Award:

Deanna Loeb of Georgetown American Legion Ambulance and Laurel Fire Department was presented this award for her lifetime dedication to EMS.

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 Joey 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 Diamond Brockbader, RN, of Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.

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. Kevin Eanes of Sussex Emergency Associates and Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.

Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Shift Excellence:

Each year, Sussex County Emergency Medical Services shift supervisors select paramedics from their shifts who have performed an outstanding job over the course of the year. These are awarded at the continuing education sessions for each shift in March. The recipients include:

Representing A Shift: Paramedic James Gijanto

Representing B Shift: Paramedic Russell Hooper

Representing C Shift: Paramedic Chad Maris

Representing D Shift: Paramedic Jonathan Timmons

Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Paramedic of the Year:

This is awarded to a Sussex County paramedic who exemplifies a professional attitude, clinical excellence, and commitment to the highest standard of excellence in patient care, as well as a consistent performance in delivering patient care that serves as an example to others. This year’s recipient is Paramedic Danny Tilghman Sr.

Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association Paramedic of the Year:

This is awarded was presented by the Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association to a Sussex County paramedic who continually provides excellent patient care, as well as educating others. This year’s recipient is Paramedic Andrew Vickers. 

Sussex County Emergency Medical Services FTO 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 Greg Eyler.

Sussex County Emergency Medical Services District Supervisor of the Year:

The District Supervisor of the Year displays professionalism and leadership in the Supervision of other 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 C–Shift Supervisor Jay Shine.

Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Administrative Excellence:

The Administrative Excellence award is given to an individualwho 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 Education Coordinator Joseph Hopple.

Special Incident Award:

Sussex County Paramedics Gabriela Evans and David Hammerer, along with Bethany Beach EMTs Dylan Sharp and Bill Ireland, were recognized for their quick and aggressive actions during an emergency incident involving a 12-year-old involved in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident. On Nov. 10, 2013, these paramedics and EMTs were instrumental in saving the life of a boy who suffered life-threating injuries as a result of the accident. Due to the efforts of the family, emergency personnel and members of Beebe Medical Center and A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children staff, the young man survived, neurologically intact, and is able to spend many more days with his family and friends. Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Director Robert Stuart praised the actions of the responders. The patient’s family expressed their own words of appreciation and personally thanked all responders and hospital staff involved.

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Media Contact

Eric Huovinen, EMS spokesman
(302) 854-5255