Nine Grey County Paramedics are being recognized for their service to the community.
The Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal was created by the Governor General in 1994, and is given to paramedics and emergency professionals who have served at least 20 years in emergency medical services, and have performed their lifesaving duties to the highest standard of care, conduct, and efficiency.
Grey County Chief Operating Officer Kim Wingrove says, “We are so proud of them. We have an exceptional team of paramedics who’ve dedicated their careers to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our communities,” adding, “And having nine paramedics be recognized in one year highlights the tremendous experience we have on the team.”
The paramedics who were recognized are:
40 years of service:
Jim Jackson (now retired)
Peter Shaw (now retired)
30 years of service:
Richard LaChapelle
Dennis Menegotto (now retired)
20 years of service:
Jeff Adams
Shawn Adams
Nathan Gonder
Sandy Schafer
Lori Summerville
Wingrove says that to have such talent in the emergency services team is not just great for the community, but also new recruits, saying “Certainly for the new grads coming into the field, to be able to be mentored and supported by colleagues who have a tremendous amount of experience, I think that’s a tremendous confidence builder.”
She also says, “I think paramedics have a really difficult job that can be both physically and emotionally taxing, and I just want to extend my congratulations to each of the recipients for their dedication and long service. We’re so grateful to have them working for us and on the team.”