By Adam Johnson, PR County EMS Director
On December 17th, 2022 Powder River EMS hosted an end of the year dinner and emergency medical awards ceremony at the Broadus VFW Post 1595 for the EMS team and included agency partners from the Powder River Sheriff’s Department, Broadus Fire Department and multiple civilians not associated with the EMS team. The dinner was provided by the Powder River First Responders 501(c)3 charity for all attendees and their family members.
Those who enter into public service understand that their time and service to their community is its own reward. While those entering public service generally do not do so looking for recognition, Director of Emergency Medical Service Operations Adam Johnson believes that recognizing those who have put forth great effort and sacrifice should be acknowledged.
Director Johnson dispersed ballots to those on the EMS team with detailed requirements for a nomination process. The ballots consisted of specific EMS providers to blank openings for other agency members of civilian community member write-ins. Those that were returned were tallied and a list was compiled of award nominees. Prior to the Saturday evening’s dinner, Director Johnson presented the following awards:
One of the greatest assets to emergency medical services are those in the community that are willing to assist during emergency situations until higher level care can arrive or donate their time to emergency medical providers to ensure appropriate training and skill sets. For their actions the recipients received the Emergency Medical Service Civilian Award. Those awarded were Kensi Emmons, Chair Commissioner Lee Randall, Julie Russell-RN, Damian Desatoff, Aidan Kenelly.
The Civilian EMS Award is a White citation bar pin with the Star of Life in the center and flanked by a single Blue stripe on the right and the left.
All EMS systems and agencies are integrated with other public services such as law enforcement and fire/rescue. Partner agency members were awarded the Inter-Agency Emergency Medical Service Award. Those awarded were Powder River Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tomasa Pacheco, Deputy Cody Stuchlik, Dispatcher Denni Schuetzle; Broadus Fire Department Fire Chief Raymond Ragsdale, Assistant Fire Chief Clint Pedersen, and Biddle Fire Department Frank Bliss.
The Inter-Agency EMS Award is a Blue and Orange striped citation bar pin.
Director Johnson did present awards specific to departments and agencies for their assistance and skills in their respected fields. Recipients included Powder River Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Devin Boman, Broadus Fire Department Chief Raymond Ragsdale, Hi-Tech Auto Phil Desatoff.
EMS providers for Powder River County are trained to respond to a variety of emergency situations. Their dedication to Powder River and the Emergency Medical System means they spend time on call ensuring proper coverage for the area and involved in the treatment and transportation of the sick and injured.
Awards given to EMS personnel for their dedication and involvement include: Meritorious Service Award: Alyssa Queer (Riley), Gina Vineyard; Distinguished Service Award: John Herman, Morgan Mobley (Weller); EMS Officer of the Year: EMS Lt. Chad Harrington, EMT of the Year: EMS Lt. Dick Jesse, and Paramedic of the Year: EMS Cpt. Cressi Johnson.
Meritorious Service Award is a White bar citation bar pin with the Star of Life in the center and flanked by two blue stripes on the right and the left.
The Distinguished Service Award is a Red, White, and Blue with Gold boarder citation bar pin with matching drape ribbon with EMS medallion attached with awardee engraved name plate.
EMS of the Year Award, EMT of the Year, and Paramedic of the Year are a blue bar with silver year numbers, title of the awardee, White drape with EMS medallion with awardee engraved name plate.
Director Johnson would like to congratulate all recipients and agency partners for their time and dedication to the county, their respected fields, and to the emergency medical system.
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