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ZEBULON - On Friday, December 9, 2011 Pike County Emergency Services held its annual awards ceremony and Christmas dinner. Approximately 100 members and their families attended. Two very special guests also paid a visit – Santa and Mrs. Claus. During the awards ceremony, 13 awards were presented by Chief Mike Grant.
The Medical Life Saving Award was awarded to Firefighter Matt Moore for an incident that occurred in October of 2010. On October 11, 2010, Pike County Emergency Services First Responders and Medic 1 responded to an adult male bleeding from a dialysis shunt. Upon arrival the patient was found to be bleeding severely from a shunt site in his arm and had been for an extended period of time. Medical efforts included direct pressure, pressure at arterial pressure points, trauma dressings, elevation, cold packs, and emergent transport to a local hospital. If not for these heroic efforts, this precious life would have been lost. This was an incident that occurred in October of 2010 but was overlooked during last year’s awards.
The Cardiac Life Saving Award was awarded to Paramedic Ralph Cannon, Firefighter Richard Hellwig, First Responder Anita Neath, Captain/Paramedic Doug Neath, Paramedic Billy Norris, and Deputy Chief Randy Snyder. On December 14, 2010, Pike County Emergency Services First Responders and Medic 1 responded to a male possibly having a heart attack. Upon arrival the patient was found to be in cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts included CPR, IO therapy, endotracheal intubation, electrical intervention, advanced cardiac life support medications, and rapid transport to a local hospital. If not for these heroic efforts, this precious life would have been lost. Deputy Chief Randy Snyder, Captain Doug Neath, First Responder Anita Neath, Firefighter Richard Hellwig, Paramedic William Norris, and Paramedic Ralph Cannon are hereby presented with this Cardiac Life Saving Award for the year 2011.
The Rescue Life Saving Award was awarded to Firefighter/EMT Robert Gresham, Jr. On January 26, 2011, Pike County Emergency Services First Responders and Medic 7 responded to a male trapped underneath a car. First to arrive was Firefighter Robert Gresham, Jr. Firefighter Gresham immediately went to the patient and assessed his medical condition. While Firefighter Gresham was doing so, the vehicle shifted, impairing the patient’s ability to breathe. Without thought of injury to himself and knowing that failure to act would result in the death of the patient, Firefighter Gresham lifted the vehicle off of the patient, allowing him to escape. Without Firefighter Gresham’s quick action, this precious life would have been lost. Firefighter Robert Gresham, Jr. is hereby presented with this Rescue Life Saving Award for the year 2011.
First Responder of the Year was awarded to First Responder Joanna Silver. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training, or prevention assigned individual who is selected as the most outstanding First Responder for the current year. The individual must have exemplary performance that clearly places the First Responder above his/her peers. First Responder Silver has for many years been a constant responder to calls of medical assistance of all levels. On each she has done her utmost to have a positive impact, providing excellent patient care. She is also attending EMT school to better her knowledge and abilities in her field. First Responder Silver has a spotless conduct/disciplinary record.
EMT of the Year was awarded to Lieutenant/EMT Charlie Morris. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training, or prevention assigned individual who is selected as the most outstanding EMT for the current year. The individual must have exemplary performance that clearly places the EMT above his/her peers. Lieutenant Morris received his EMT certification this year but has constantly run medical calls throughout. Though recently certified, he always uses sound judgment and calm demeanor in providing care for patients. Lieutenant Morris constantly seeks information to better his abilities to serve the citizens of Pike County. He is also naturally inquisitive about the duties of an EMT and seeks the critique of his peers and superiors. Lieutenant Morris takes all this information into account to constantly evolve into a far better EMT. He has a spotless conduct/disciplinary record.
Paramedic of the Year was awarded to Battalion Chief/Paramedic Lance Blythe. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training, or prevention assigned individual who is selected as the most outstanding Paramedic for the current year. The individual must have exemplary performance that clearly places the Paramedic above his/her peers. Chief Blythe is truly an asset to the department, responding to a high number of calls for service of all types, especially those where our department assists EMS. He does so calmly yet with authority of experience and confidence. On medical calls, he never hesitates to accompany ambulance personnel to area hospitals, often setting aside commitments in his personal life. During such incidents Chief Blythe utilizes his experience and training to supplement care provided by ambulance crews, often performing varying lifesaving interventions. He further utilized this experience and training to have an exceptional impact on the development of our EMS program. Chief Blythe has worked tirelessly throughout the year to bring that program to fruition. He has a spotless conduct/disciplinary record.
Rookie of the Year was awarded to Firefighter Ryan Reeves. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training, or prevention assigned individual who is selected as the most outstanding Rookie for the current year. The individual must have exemplary performance that clearly places the Rookie above his/her peers. The term Rookie is defined as any individual that has been involved with PCES for a period less than two years. Firefighter Reeves displays the all the qualities required of this nomination. In the spring of this year, he completed the Georgia Basic Volunteer Firefighter training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Firefighter Reeves constantly responds to calls and makes an utmost effort to have a positive impact on them. He has a 100% attendance for station training, is attending EMT school to better his knowledge of the field, and assists during our current Basic Firefighter class. Last, Firefighter Reeves is a constant at public education and safety events held by our department and has a spotless conduct/disciplinary record.
Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Firefighter/Paramedic James “Rusty” Smith. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training, or prevention assigned individual who is selected as the most outstanding Firefighter for the current year. The individual must have exemplary performance that clearly places the Firefighter above his/her peers. Due to his willingness to train, his exceptional firefighting skills, his professional leadership abilities, his willingness to act decisively, and his dedication to the citizens of Pike County, the 2011 Firefighter of the Year Award is hereby presented to Firefighter/Paramedic James “Rusty” Smith. Firefighter Smith is a well-rounded member of our department who seamlessly uses a litany of skills to serve the citizens of Pike County and is a role model for all of his peers. Firefighter Smith is a constant, conscientious responder to a wide range of calls throughout the community. He responds apparatus, operates on board equipment, performs assigned tasks on incident scenes, etc. These are normal expectations for any of our personnel, yet Firefighter Smith goes far beyond what is expected and is an exceptional self-starter. In fact, he has repeatedly demonstrated “multidimensional thinking,” anticipating needs and positioning himself to maximize his effectiveness. On medical calls, Firefighter Smith never hesitates to accompany ambulance personnel to area hospitals, often setting aside commitments in his personal life. During such incidents he utilizes his experience and training to supplement care provided by ambulance crews, often performing varying lifesaving interventions. FF Smith also assisted the department in developing our EMS program and assists with EMA. He has a spotless conduct/disciplinary record.
Congratulations to each of these award recipients! And thank you to all of our volunteer fire fighters, paramedics, and EMT's here in Pike County. Your efforts are very much appreciated as you interact with citizens in emergency situations on an almost daily basis.
Photos courtesy of Pike Emergency Services.
Firefighter Matt Moore is presented a Medical Life Saving Award by Chief Mike Grant.
Firefighter Ryan Reeves was named Rookie of the Year.
Firefighter/EMT Robert Gresham, Jr. is presented a Rescue Life Saving Award by Chief Mike Grant.
Firefighter/Paramedic James "Rusty" Smith is presented with the Firefighter of the Year award by Chief Mike Grant.
First Responder Joanna Silver is presented the award for First Responder of the Year.