RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – The 2020 Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) award winners were announced during a virtual presentation on Saturday.
The awards, presented on behalf of Governor Ralph Northam, recognize outstanding EMS providers and organizations across the Commonwealth for their demonstrated excellence and commitment to the EMS system.
“The past year has been particularly challenging, showing unknown circumstances that required the adaptation, strength and resilience of EMS providers in Virginia,” said Gary Brown, director of the Virginia Office of EMS.
“This year’s nominees represent the courage and commitment it took to respond to the pandemic. I am honored to commend their heroic dedication to saving lives and to thank them for their outstanding contributions to the EMS system in Virginia. “
The winners of the Governor’s 2020 EMS Award are:
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – Allen Yee, MD, Chesterfield County Fire, and EMS
- The Governor’s EMS Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS (Kent J. Weber Trophy) – Theresa Kingsley-Varble, Washington County Fire-Rescue, and VSP-MedFlight II
- The Governor’s EMS Prize for a Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) – Joseph Ornato, MD, Richmond Ambulance Authority
- The Governor’s EMS Prize for Nursing with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Daniel Freeman, RN, Carilion Clinic
- The Governor’s EMS Prize for Outstanding EMS Educators in Front of the Hospital – Daryl Clements, Mid-Atlantic Fire and Rescue Services of the Naval Region
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Provider in Front of the Hospital – Samuel Neglia, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – Jonathan Smith Taking Control of Mental Health
- The Governor’s EMS Prize for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Chesapeake Fire Department
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Rescue Services
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunications – John Korman, Fairfax County Public Safety Communications Department
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Preparedness and Relief (James A. Nogle, Jr. Trophy) – Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue Services
- The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Innovation in EMS – Peninsula COVID-19 Operations Center
An additional scholarship award is given to recognize outstanding contributions by a high school graduate to EMS.
The award is presented by the Virginia Office of EMS in collaboration with the State EMS Advisory Board.
This year two exceptional high school graduates were selected:
- The Governor’s EMS Award for a high school senior’s outstanding contribution to EMS (the $ 5,000 Dr. Carol Gilbert Fellowship) – Emma Skeen, Cleveland Life Saving Crew, and William Andrews, Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Team
“Congratulations to all of the winners and my heartfelt thanks to all EMS providers in the Commonwealth,” said Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA
“Whether on a routine phone call about chest pain or in response to a multiple vehicle accident requiring heroic life-saving efforts, your efforts are valued by families everywhere. During this pandemic, many of you stepped in to help give vaccines. This is further evidence of your commitment to your communities. They really are Virginia’s heroes. ”