Norfolk County Paramedic Services held its first Night of Celebration to honour paramedics.
Among the awardees were paramedics receiving Norfolk County Years of Service Awards — for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Paramedics Robert Coyle and Darren Baily received 30-year bar for their Governor Generals Exemplary Service Medals.
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Retirees Darren Bailey (34 years), Elaine Meadows (30 years), and Brandon Wise (24 years of part-time) were honoured for their dedicated service to Norfolk County.
Paramedics Nancy VanVliet and Danny Desmond were honoured for an emergency call where their patient’s heart stopped in the back of the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Their quick actions and skills revived him before his arrival at the hospital.
Paramedics Sharon Green and Wendy Stewart were honoured for their work during a call in May 2022. The patient had collapsed, a neighbour initiated CPR, and with the assistance of Norfolk County Firefighters, they were able to revive the patient. The neighbour, Lindsey Kincaid, also received an award.
The Stork Award was given out to paramedics Johane Borris and Jacob Malevich for safely assisting in delivering a baby on a call.
The Centre for Paramedic Education and Research Quality of Care Award was given out to Kari Maxin.
Les Block, Corrie Cowell, Adam Brown, Ellen Kempmann, and Brittany Garner were celebrated as mentors to college students.
Also celebrated were those paramedics that volunteered throughout the year with our public relations activities, school presentations, a fundraising drive for Ukraine, and holiday food and toy drives. Paramedics Shane Lucier, Sarah Muskiluke and Amanda Rockery were honoured.
Finally, Service Commendations included:
Samantha Pacheco – Community Paramedicine program champion and leadership, volunteering, compassionate delivery of care to all patients, Peer Support involvement.
Jeff Mullin – Health and Safety champion, COVID-19 assistance, Acting Commander role, volunteering, Community Paramedicine program work, Peer Support involvement and organization of food drives.
Patrick Quinn – professional advocacy for all his peers, on several committees, excellence in patient care and documentation, Peer Support involvement.
Jenny Townsend – champion of mental health and wellness for paramedics, Peer Support lead and union leadership.
Cori Kennedy – Administrative Assistant – for extraordinary patience, unsung hero behind the scenes.