MR 10-05 [Seaford, Del.]- Several EMS personnel were recently honored at this year’s annual Sussex County EMS banquet held at the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, sponsored by Sussex County EMS, The Sussex County Paramedic Association, and The Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association. Andrea Summers, Traffic Safety Program Manager for the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, served as the guest speaker providing information to the audience regarding her agency’s efforts to save lives in Delaware through education and outreach. The banquet was hosted by local television personality Jimmy Hoppa of WBOC Television, and the co-host of WBOC Delmarva News This Morning.
The following awards were presented:
Sussex County Ambulance Association Awards:
EMT-B of the Year-Denise Dill
Denise Dill, an EMT-B from the Dagsboro Fire Company was awarded the EMT-B of the Year award for the outstanding care she provides to her patients. She is also described as a caring person who makes patients feel comfortable. She was also recognized for her quick initial actions with a critical patient that helped ensure the appropriate level of care was given and decreased patients overall hospital stay and severity of injures.
SCVAA Paramedic of the Year-John Schmitt
The Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association selected Paramedic John Schmitt as their Paramedic of the Year for his dedication to the EMS system. Following an injury several years ago, Paramedic Schmitt has fully recovered through his determination and hard work and has returned to full duty. John has been a Paramedic with Sussex County EMS since 1992. He is married with two children and lives in Lewes, Delaware.
Clifford E. Lee Memorial Award-David Ruff
Dave Ruff, a lifetime member of the Blades Volunteer Fire Company, was selected for the Clifford Lee Memorial EMS Award for his lifetime of achievements in EMS. Mr. Ruff has held several offices including Ambulance Captain, Deputy Chief, and President and has also chaired several committees, including the 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Special Recognition Awards
Glenn Luedtke Retirement
Gabi Evans, President of the Paramedic Association, presented Former EMS Director Glenn Luedtke with a photo that was signed by all the paramedics in the department. Mr. Luedtke recently retired after nine years with the department and was recognized by SCEMS for his outstanding service.
Greenland Sod Farm – Recognition
Director Robert Stuart thanked Greenland Sod Farm in Bethel, Delaware for their generous donation of more than two thousand dollars worth of sod for the new medic Station 102 in Laurel that significantly improved the appearance and helped to blend the station into the existing residential community.
Shift Excellence Awards
A-Shift-Ray Fulkrod
Ray has excelled in all aspects of his performance at SCEMS. Ray recently filled in for his Supervisor and covered his role seamlessly through several winter storms. Ray also puts in many hours for the safety committee and has been a driving force in improving the overall safety operations of our department. Ray holds a Bachelors degree in Health Care Administration and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. Ray lives with his wife and son in Millsboro, Delaware.
B-Shift-Jay Shine
Jay was selected for his outstanding dedication to the EMS system. As a Field Training Officer and HAZ-Mat Team Leader, he is constantly involved in educating students, paramedics, and new employees. Mr. Shine is also responsible for the maintenance of all bike team equipment for the SCEMS Bike Team. Jay has recently completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. Jay lives with his wife and two children in Millsboro, Delaware.
C-Shift-Kirk Miller
Kirk was selected by his Supervisor for the Shift Excellence Award representing C-Shift. Kirk is one of the original paramedics that was hired to start the paramedic system in Sussex County and is serving in his 40th year in Emergency Services. He has served in numerous positions, including Supervisor, but opted to return to what he enjoys the most--patient care. Kirk has also been recognized by his fellow Paramedics for his selfless giving and support and just being there when needed. His paramedic skills and life experiences have been invaluable to C-Shift as well as SCEMS. Kirk lives in Milton with his wife, and has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
D-Shift-Jeremy Goldman
Jeremy has been selected for the D-Shift Excellence award by his Supervisor for his dedication to improving equipment through his participation on several committees as well as his dedication in pursuing higher education. Jeremy recently assisted with the design, testing, and implementation of a new ergonomically designed EMS paramedic equipment bags. Jeremy has also assisted with the purchase of new equipment for protection from chemical and biological hazards and spare gear used for special events and disaster response. Jeremy recently completed his Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from Columbia Southern University and is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Emergency Health Services with a concentration in Disaster Management through the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Jeremy lives in Harrington with his wife Lori, who is also a Sussex County Paramedic.
District Supervisor of the Year-Glenda Pusey
Glenda was selected for the D-Shift Excellence award by her Supervisor because of her commitment to her people. As a Supervisor, Glenda is described as being fair with discipline, a very caring leader, and strong motivator of her employees. Part of being a Supervisor is handling problems and, according to her peers and employees, she does this extremely well. Glenda also spends time mentoring and developing employees who show an interest in advancing. Glenda was in the second class of Sussex County Paramedics trained by Kent General Hospital and has been with the department since 1991. She is married and lives in Laurel with her husband Mike, who is also a Sussex County Paramedic District Supervisor.
FTO of the Year-John Haynie
John was awarded the FTO of the Year award for his efforts in training new employees, paramedic students, and veteran Paramedics. According to Paramedic Haynie’s FTO Supervisor, he has been a trusted and valuable asset to the FTO program since coming on board. He is always stepping up and offering help with projects and tasks when they arise and his FTO duties are always completed on time and very thorough. John has been a paramedic with Sussex County since 1999. John has an Associate’s Degree in EMS and he is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Sciences from the University of Maryland University College. John also proudly serves his country in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. John lives in Pocomoke, Maryland with his wife and three children.
Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year-Joey Pepper
Joey was selected as the Communications Specialist of the Year and currently serves in the Emergency Operations Center as an Emergency Communications Supervisor. According to the medics that work directly with him, his leadership and professionalism have helped build a strong team between the dispatchers and paramedics. Not only does Joey ensure that quality decisions are made and professorial standards are upheld, he also encourages open communications between dispatchers and paramedics to keep the team strong. Problems are addressed and dealt with effectively without creating animosity. Joey has been instrumental in keeping the team strong and insisting on a professional standard of conduct. Joey has been with the county for eleven years. He lives in Georgetown and is an active member of the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company.
EMS Nurse of Year-Dmitar Sijan, R.N.
Dmitar Sijan was selected EMS Nurse of Year by his colleagues in EMS for his hands-on approach to patient care and for his interactions with EMS crews while working as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Beebe Medical Center. Dmitar listens to the patient care reports and shows appreciation for the care given by pre-hospital care providers. The paramedics describe Dmitar as very knowledgeable about his job and always willing to answer questions. He does not hesitate to compliments providers when they did a good job or to put a smile on someone’s face during stressful situations. He is described as an asset to the ER. Dmitar, who lives in Dover, has been a nurse in the Emergency Department at Beebe Medical Center since 2008 and has several decades of experience as a nurse and health care provider.
EMS Physician of the Year-Philemon Bailey, D.O.
Dr. Bailey received the award for EMS Physician of the Year. He was selected for continuously going above and beyond the standard when interacting and educating EMS professionals. He constantly provides feedback and advice. Doctor Bailey presents himself as someone who can easily be approached with any questions or issues. Dr. Bailey has never forgotten what is like to work in a pre-hospital care setting. He was employed as a paramedic with Sussex County EMS from 1992 to 2000. Dr. Bailey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Medical Systems Management from George Washington University. He also attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Bailey completed his residency at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Bailey is a board Certified Emergency Physician with Sussex Emergency Associates at Beebe Medical Center. Dr. Bailey lives in Georgetown with his wife and two children.
Administrative Excellence-Shellie Simmons
Shellie was nominated by her peers for the Administrative Excellence Award for the outstanding work she does every day. Ordering supplies, uniforms, equipment for a staff of more than one hundred employees has become a daunting task. According to her peers, Shellie begins her workday early processing bills and placing orders on a regular basis for the EMS department. Shellie is very thrifty at finding the best price for the purchase and holding vendors to quoted prices. Shellie has really stepped up during the past year. In addition to her duties as a clerk, she has assisted with implementing an electronic inventory for uniforms and consumable supplies while new employees were trained and hired. She is a person who truly can be counted on to complete her work and take on more than expected. Shellie has a strong commitment and work ethic and serves as an example for others. Shellie lives in Rehoboth with her husband and two children.
EMT of the Year-West-Stacey Scheerer
Sussex paramedics have nominated Stacy as the EMT of the Year for the Western District of Sussex County. Our Paramedics describe Stacey as levelheaded and competent. She is proactive with her patient care and is always eager to assist others as needed. Stacey exemplifies the requirements for EMT-B of the Year. Stacy has been with the Seaford Fire Department since 2005 where she first served as a volunteer and became a full time employee in 2008. In 2007 she was also awarded the Seaford EMT of the Year Award. Stacy lives in Seaford and is married with two children and her husband is also in the fire service.
EMT of the Year-East-Jacques Grant, Sr
Mr. Grant was selected as the EMT-B of the Year for the Eastern District for his hard work and dedication to the entire EMS system. According to our paramedics, Jacques approaches each situation with a cool level head. Jacques is employed as full time EMT with the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad covering the Long Neck area since 2006. He has been an EMT for the past six years and he lives in Williamsville, Delaware with his four children.
EMT of the Year-Central-Tommy Berry
Tommy Berry was awarded the EMT-B of the Year for the Central District for his kind, compassionate, and quality care to the community of Millsboro and the surrounding areas. He is very polite and is constantly looking for ways to improve the EMS system and his own EMT skills. Tommy has been an EMT with the Millsboro Fire Company since 2004. He currently serves as the EMS Supervisor for the Millsboro Fire Company. EMT Berry also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Ellendale Fire Company and has held several officer positions including Assistant Chief. Tommy lives in Ellendale with his wife and two children.
Paramedic of the Year-Andrew Vickers
Paramedic Vickers received the award for SCEMS Paramedic of the Year for his excellent patient care and his demeanor as an employee. His co-workers describe Paramedic Vickers as someone who reports to work early every shift and who is diligent in completing station duties with an excellent work ethic. His fellow Paramedics describe him as a delight to work with and someone who goes out of his way to make patients feel comfortable. He is constantly working to improve his abilities as a Paramedic by seeking constructive criticism and input about patients. Paramedic Vickers is currently working to finish his degree at Wor-Wic Community College. Drew lives in Salisbury, Maryland with his wife and son.
###
For more information please contact Tim Cooper at (302) 236-4325.