Commitment to Excellence: Meet the Winners of the 2021 National EMS Awards of Excellence

NAEMT and EMS World are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 National EMS Awards of Excellence. The awards will be presented during NAEMT’s General Membership Meeting and during the opening ceremonies of EMS World Expo, scheduled for Oct. 4–8 in Atlanta. Visit www.emsworldexpo.com.

We congratulate the following recipients and recognize their outstanding contributions to the EMS profession and the patients they serve.

2021 DICK FERNEAU CAREER EMS SERVICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Ferno

Pafford Medical Services (Multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands)

Starting 54 years ago with one Cadillac ambulance, Pafford EMS has grown into a six-state, 54 (and growing)-operation EMS powerhouse that has served its communities during natural disasters, MCI events, and a once-in-a-century milestone pandemic, not to mention the regular 9-1-1 calls that require prompt attention.

Pafford provides BLS, ALS, CCT, special event medical standby, and cutting-edge tactical EMS operations. Pafford’s fleet of 175-plus ambulances, three fixed-wing aircrafts, and four helicopters supports the company’s life-preserving care.

Pafford EMS has been lauded nationally for its Special Operations Division’s ability to deploy disaster strike teams at a moment’s notice in support of hurricane relief efforts and wildfire responders’ safety. The company’s deployment expertise prompted both the American Ambulance Association and the ZOLL Users’ Group conference to invite company leaders to share their deployment experiences.

In 2020 alone the company deployed fully staffed and equipped ambulances to seven named storms during the worst pandemic in U.S. history. Since August 2017 Pafford has deployed hundreds of ambulances and personnel for 25 domestic and international deployments, including operating the United States Virgin Islands’ EMS system. During Hurricane Maria in 2017, Pafford members traveled to the Virgin Islands, where they provided all 9-1-1 response on the island for 10 months. 

Pafford’s Canadian County (Okla.) operation supports the Canadian County SWAT Task Force, and during the summer of 2020, its county task force was requested to back up the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department and Oklahoma County Jail. Pafford is a member of the Tinker Air Force Base Incident Management Team, which was activated in 2021 to help administer an estimated 100,000 vaccinations. 

Pafford ensures all its personnel are NIMS-educated and certified to the IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 levels. Service area managers and all field supervisors or employees who will function as sector, group, or command staff earn the additional IS 300 and IS 400 training. Pafford Medical Services offers the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) for all internal employees during their onboarding process as well as annually. It uses the Ninth Brain system to ensure every ambulance is fully staffed with credentialed professionals.

Outreach includes free Stop the Bleed and CPR classes to community groups, civic groups, schools, and churches; “Camp Save-a-Life,” a summer youth health camp to introduce kids to the medical industry in partnership with a local college; “Explore Success,” a career path expo benefiting junior high students; fundraisers to benefit the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Race for the Cure, and families that have been impacted in local communities; HeartWalk; Toys for Tots and “pack the ambulance” toy drives; and many more.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Pafford launched an emergency operations center (EOC) to take care of employees and their families. This soon expanded to those of other companies as well. Pafford provided COVID-19 vaccinations throughout Louisiana and offered ambulance services and COVID-19 vaccinations for the Virgin Islands.

“We really rolled up our sleeves at Pafford, and I give all the credit to the great team I have,” says CEO Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “We decided we were not just going to survive, but thrive during this whole ordeal. That’s why we’ve been in business in 54 years now.”

2021 VOLUNTEER EMS SERVICE OF THE YEAR 

Sponsored by EMS World

Darien EMS Post 53, Darien, Conn.

In 1970 a Darien, Conn. father, John E. “Bud” Doble, had a vision: He wanted to teach high schoolers about the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse by giving them the chance to administer firsthand emergency medical treatment to the victims themselves. Doble started a program in his basement as a Boy Scout project and named it Post 53. One year after its inception, Post 53 responded to 100 emergency calls and had a budget of $150, and its initial ambulance was a converted telephone truck.

Last year marked Post 53’s 50th anniversary, and its current members continue its commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest level of training and skills in providing prehospital care and transport to the citizens of Darien. 

Post 53 is the only high school student-driven BLS ambulance corps in the United States. Students are responsible for staffing the ambulances, overseeing operations, ordering supplies, planning the continuing education program, and supporting fundraising efforts. The all-volunteer membership of approximately 130 students and 40 adult advisers operates under the leadership of an executive director and the medical direction of Stamford Hospital. By graduation the average Post 53 student has volunteered over 5,000 hours on assignments ranging from ambulance duty and EMT shifts to ongoing equipment and protocol training, leadership positions, training events, and community outreach. 

Training is at the core of the organization, with a philosophy of providing teen members the knowledge and tools to succeed and the respect and responsibility to perform their jobs and be held accountable. Post 53 requires well over 200 hours of education and training just to become a volunteer and conducts bimonthly training by medical professionals on topics ranging from infectious diseases and COVID-19 to heart attack and stroke care. Post 53 partners with a fire department each spring for a vehicle extrication training and holds water rescue training each summer and winter.

Like many organizations over the past year, Post 53 pivoted to not only handling its regular call volume but responding to COVID-related calls as well. Even though back orders and shipping delays were being seen in early February 2020, Post 53’s OSHA team prepared the organization with an ample supply of PPE and sanitizing supplies. Mandatory training was conducted and strict COVID-19 procedures put in place, including daily wellness screenings, to ensure each member was well before interaction with the public. Post 53 supported Darien’s vaccination clinics by providing on-site EMS services as well as vaccinations. 

Post 53 volunteers are active in the Darien community, providing ambulance tours, 9-1-1 talks, and safety presentations to youth groups, preschools, elementary schools, and community organizations. In addition Post 53 is an active partner with Hands for Life training around Fairfield County and certifies over 250 individuals in CPR/AED each year. It also offers Stop the Bleed training and standby medical services for events. 

The File of Life program allows seniors in the community to document important medical information which is kept in a red packet on their refrigerator. Post 53 responders look for the File of Life and use the information to assist in the patient’s care.

As an all-volunteer organization, Post 53 depends on contributions and does not charge for basic transport. Annual operating expenses for patient care, equipment, supplies, training, and vehicle maintenance are 100% funded through donations, special events, and grants. Post 53 does not receive any funds from the Town of Darien.

An award-winning documentary produced and directed by Post 53 alumnus Tim Warren highlights Post 53’s story. Visit https://highschool911.com/. 

2021 NAEMT/NASCO PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Nasco

Jeremy McElroy, Paramedic, Chesapeake, Va.

Jeremy McElroy is a nationally registered paramedic and works for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services in Norfolk, Va. Nominated by Jason Kinlaw, regional EMS chief, McElroy constantly searches for learning opportunities and skill development. He has an immense impact on the quality of training throughout the department and is a champion of innovation and safety. McElroy’s passion for teaching and mentorship to new colleagues is a shining example of how to develop the next generation of EMS practitioners. 

A former Marine infantryman, McElroy served two tours of duty, receiving a Purple Heart medal and a Combat Action Ribbon. He has received two Navy Fire & Emergency Services Lifesaving Awards, a Significant Achievement Award for his triage and treatment of a critically injured patient, and an Outstanding Prehospital EMS Provider Award from the Tidewater EMS Council. A role model for his peers, McElroy is dedicated to taking care of both military and civilian patients.

2021 NAEMT/DEMERS BRAUN CRESTLINE EMT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Demers Braun Crestline

Tracie Sanders, EMT, Normanna, Tex. 

Tracie Sanders works as an EMT for 9-1-1 services in Normanna, Tex.; as a volunteer firefighter and EMT; and is in school to become a registered nurse. Nominated by Lyle Sanders, the local fire chief and her husband, Tracie has been deployed to several states to support COVID response while learning all she can to improve herself and the experience for all her patients. 

Sanders makes her patients feel like family, providing a strong customer service experience and advocating on their behalf. She goes out of her way to ensure her patients and their families have all the information needed make the best medical decisions. She has led the fire department in obtaining their First Responder Organization certification with the state of Texas to better provide for the volunteer department’s service area. She jumps in with both feet not only on medical calls but in the day-to-day operations of the department. 

2021 NAEMT/JONES & BARTLETT LEARNING EMS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Jones & Bartlett Learning

Justin Arnone, BS, NRP, NCEE, TP-C, FP-C, Pride, La.

Justin Arnone, BS, NRP, NCEE, TP-C, FP-C, works at the Saint George Fire Department and Louisiana Army National Guard. He’s worked in EMS for 14 years and has experience as a civilian firefighter and a combat medic. 

Nominated by Dan Godbee, his medical director at Saint George, Arnone was instrumental in creating and training personnel in new clinical guidelines that have been modeled by agencies in the region and around the country. He helped to revitalize the East Baton Rouge EMS Critical Incident Stress Management team and provides training to EMS, fire departments, and military personnel in the state. As the assistant training director at East Baton Rouge Parish EMS from 2015–2019, Justin enhanced the QA/QI process, restructuring the management of training records and creating incentives for staff that participated in training. Arnone’s enthusiasm and dedication are examples for all to emulate and have inspired other training departments.  

2021 NAEMT/NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE MILITARY MEDIC OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by North American Rescue

MSG Michael Remley, ATP, NRP, JBSA Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.

MSG Michael Remley, ATP, NRP, is the first Joint Trauma System (JTS) senior enlisted advisor (SEA) and a former senior special operations combat medic with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He has contributed to saving lives on the battlefield and improving Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), says Col. Stacy Shackelford, USAF, MC, director of the Joint Trauma System and Remley’s supervisor. He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and Army Achievement Medal for his excellence in providing care to U.S. casualties on the battlefield. 

MSG Remley has analyzed, designed, developed, implemented, and updated multiple TCCC courses and trained and educated countless U.S. military and coalition forces. Remley was key to evolving the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Ranger First Responder program, which is considered the standard to follow. As the JTS SEA, he expanded the JTS network and leveraged his knowledge and position to develop trauma policy for the entire military health system. Trauma legend Capt. Frank Butler, MD, says, “MSG Remley has been a highly respected member of one of the most elite military units in the world. He is a superb and dedicated medic.” He was also honored with the 2020 Butler Award, the highest award presented by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care. 

2021 NAEMT/BOUND TREE EMS MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Bound Tree Medical

Kenneth Scheppke, MD, Jupiter, Fla. 

Kenneth Scheppke, MD, dual board-certified specialist in the field of emergency medicine and subspecialty of EMS, serves as medical director for several departments and agencies in the Jupiter, Fla., area. He was nominated by colleague Paul Pepe, MD, on behalf of 100-plus EMS system leaders. “We see him as a role model,” says Pepe, “for his commitment to clinical excellence in EMS, patient and practitioner safety, and top-notch leadership in his professional EMS roles.” 

Scheppke has received acclaim for his leadership, transformative educational efforts, and compelling ability to expedite early COVID mass vaccination efforts. His advocacy and educational efforts have had impact most recently in support of initiatives by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. Scheppke is a talented and motivated individual who has performed exceptionally throughout his academic and professional career.

2021 NAEMT-AAP/Health Scholars Pediatric EMS Award

Sponsored by Health Scholars

Brian Moore, MD, FAAP, Albuquerque, N.M.

Brian Moore, MD, FAAP, works for the University of New Mexico Department of Emergency Medicine. Nominated by Rachel Elizabeth Tuuri, division chief, Moore is a longstanding national leader, mentor, and educator in pediatric pre-hospital emergency care and EMS for Children (EMSC). He has been a trailblazer in setting policy, improving care for children in the prehospital setting, and advocating for change in federal legislation. 

Over the past 18 years, Moore has served extensively in national leadership roles, authored many joint organization policy statements, and was the primary author of Pediatric Prehospital Readiness in Emergency Medical Systems. Moore is also an advocate and helped to pass in 2018 the Airplane Kids in Transit Safety (KITS) Act, a federal law mandating medical kits on airplanes have medication doses and equipment appropriate for care of children.

Dynarex First Responder Caring Award

Sponsored by Dynarex

Derek Perez-Piris

Derek Perez-Piris began his career as a firefighter-paramedic at just 15 years old. As he tells it, the day of his first ride-along was the day he knew he was meant for this career. He now serves as a firefighter-paramedic and flight medic for St. Petersburg (Fla.) Fire-Rescue and Bayflite, which provides emergency helicopter services for critically ill and injured patients who need immediate specialized care. Perez-Piris is one of the youngest recorded flight medics at one of the busiest flight divisions in the U.S.

“Since I have known him, his mind-set has never wavered from delivering 100% of himself every time,” says his nominator, Kasey L. Cowser, DDS. “His actions speak for themselves.” 

In 2017 Perez-Piris responded to a house fire that changed the way he viewed his role as a paramedic forever. A 6-year-old boy suffered serious burns to 75% percent of his body. He was going to spend Christmas in the hospital that year. Perez-Piris spent weeks planning with Universal Studios to have the boy’s favorite Marvel character surprise him in person at the hospital on Christmas Eve. He also coordinated with local businesses to donate Christmas presents to the boy’s family. When the city of St. Petersburg heard the story, he was presented with the second-highest award ever given by the city.

Perez-Piris has recently discovered a love for volunteering. He’s traveled to Haiti twice in the last two years, volunteering for 14-day stints each time. During his second visit he recruited four other paramedics to educate as many locals and Haitian EMS crews as they could. Perez-Piris taught advanced medical training and educated citizens on CPR and wound sterilization. He helped train Haitian medical teams in emergency trauma, care trauma, flight trauma, and ambulance care.

In one notable case, Perez-Piris convinced a Haitian medical team to fly across Haiti to treat a young boy who was given little chance of survival. He performed medical treatment in transit to the nearest hospital. The boy survived against all odds and has made a full recovery. “Derek’s persistence and advanced knowledge was the reason a life was saved that day,” Cowser says.

On top of his philanthropic services, Perez-Piris initiated and led the first EMS competition team in the St. Petersburg area. This initiative brought the department together and enhanced the team’s medical knowledge and skill sets. During its second year Perez-Piris led the team to multiple national first-place victories, including in the FDNY’s competition. Through the years he’s advised many Florida EMS departments that have reached out about starting their own EMS competition teams. 

“Derek truly represents what I believe this award represents,” says Cowser. “Through his ambition, constant quest for knowledge, and reputable accomplishments, he demonstrates how highly deserving he is of this honor and opportunity. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”