LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Lima Memorial Health System kicked off National EMS Week by showing appreciation for local first responders, inviting them to the 28th annual EMS Banquet—an evening dedicated to honoring their unwavering commitment, daily challenges, and personal sacrifices.
From time spent away from family to responding to life-threatening emergencies, the banquet served as a heartfelt thank-you to the men and women who dedicate their lives to saving others.
The banquet served as a heartfelt thank-you to the men and women who dedicate their lives to saving others.
"They're a very unique group of individuals. You got to think these guys are out there in their community, saving people's lives. A lot of these people do this on a voluntary basis, which is very amazing. They do a lot EMS, fire and police, encourage everybody to go out and you know, just thank their local EMS, fire and police, because you never know when you're going to need them," said Doug Larue, EMS manager at Lima Memorial Health System.
To further recognize the work of first responders, Lima Memorial will light its building in red, white, and blue throughout EMS Week.
This year's award winners are:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dave Johns, BMRT Ambulance District
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ron Brown, EMT-P, EMS Instructor
EMS Educator of the Year: Kevin Bellman, EMT-P & Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II
Cardiac Run of the Year: Bath Township Fire Dept. - Joseph Kitchen, Crystal Plumpe, Lainey Austin, Travis Fillhart
Trauma Run of the Year: BMRT Ambulance District - Andrew Roy, Leeah Valentine, Chris Bair, Elizabeth Sherman (USV), Deputy Aric Jordan-Larue (Hardin Co. Sheriff Dept.)
Departments of the Year: Lima Fire Department, Huntsville Fire Department
Stroke Alert Award: Mercy Health LACP - Laura Pierson and Levi McMaster
Stroke Alert Award: American Township Fire Department - Kyle Zimmerly and Ross Emans
Medical Run of the Year: USV EMS - Aunee Helton, Scott Boecker, Jackie Gibson, Nick Rohrs, Maria Ross, Jeffrey Liston
OB "Stork" Award: Perry Township Fire Dept. - Nick Myers, Jackie Gibson, Blaici Lee, Jacob Aldrich
