February 10, 2012 MR 12-01 [Bridgeville, Del.] – The Nanticoke Rotary Club honored four Sussex County paramedics for outstanding service as part of the civic organization’s annual service awards held at Heritage Shores in Bridgeville.
Paramedics Donna Rash, Bonnie O’Bier, Cliff Neidig, and Paul Stillman were honored during a ceremony on Wednesday, February 8. Each recipient was presented a plaque by his or her immediate supervisor.
Dr. Khalil F. Gorgui of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford was the guest speaker and was joined by Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent, County Administer Todd F. Lawson, and Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Director Robert Stuart in recognizing the winners.
“These four individuals are outstanding representatives of all of our paramedics and truly exemplify the principles we value most at Sussex County EMS – ‘Caring People, Quality Service,’ ” Director Stuart said. “Throughout their careers, each of them has served the citizens and visitors of Sussex County in many ways and each has served as paramedics with the utmost professionalism and distinction. They each have their own personalities and talents, but they all share a caring attitude and profound desire to help others in their time of need, on and off the job. That is why they are deserving of these awards.”
Each recipient was introduced by his or her district supervisor, who nominated them. The district supervisors include Mike Pusey, A-shift; Ann Tait, B-Shift; Jay Myers, C-shift; and Andy Wile, D-shift.
As for the award recipients, each was honored for his or her many accomplishments and contributions to the EMS system.
Donna Rash
Paramedic Donna Rash has been employed with Sussex County EMS for 11 years and is currently a Paramedic Level Two. Over the past 11 years she has served as a Field Training Officer and has worked on special events. One of her many events includes the Seaford Night Out in August 2011, where she was assigned as the primary paramedic. She enjoys working these events to interact with people and promoting Sussex County EMS. This past year she completed her bachelor’s of science degree in general studies at Wilmington University. This helps enhance her performance and prepares her for future advancement within Sussex County EMS.
Bonnie O’Bier
Paramedic Bonnie O’Bier has been employed with Sussex County Emergency Medical Services for the past 5 years and is currently a Paramedic Level Two. She is a very caring, compassionate person and a strong patient advocate. Bonnie is willing to help those in need and if her patients need further assistance, she will find someone who can provide the needed assistance. Bonnie is involved in several committees, work groups and community projects and is active with the Bike and Special Events Teams. These teams provide emergency care at large scale events such as “Punkin’ Chunkin’ ”, Apple-Scrapple Festival, Return Day, 4th of July events and many more. In addition, Bonnie is a member of the Sussex County EMS Honor Guard. The eight-member team participates in events, including funeral services for fellow EMS/fire personnel, 9-11 ceremonies, welcoming dignitaries, and the presentation of colors at Count Council meetings and other events upon request. When not working as a paramedic, Bonnie devotes volunteers many hours to breast cancer awareness and is a counselor at the Delaware Burn Camp for children.
Cliff Neidig
Paramedic Cliff Neidig has been employed with Sussex County Emergency Medical Services for the past 21 years and is currently a Paramedic Level Three. Cliff joined Sussex County EMS as a member of the first paramedic class at Kent General Hospital, graduating in the fall of 1991. Since joining Sussex County EMS, Cliff has continued to show excellence in patient care, improving his skills by attending continuing education classes, and has attended many seminars and instructional conferences. While Cliff holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he decided to follow his passion for helping people by pursuing a career in EMS as a paramedic. He has always been actively involved in numerous activities and workgroups, including serving as one of the department’s first Field Training Officers and spending 14 years as an assistant shift supervisor.
Paul Stillman
Paramedic Paul Stillman has been employed with Sussex County Emergency Medical Services for the past five years and was recently promoted to Paramedic Level Two. Paul started with Sussex County EMS in 2006 as a paramedic student at Delaware Technical Community College, graduating in the summer of 2007. He always has the patient’s best interest in mind when providing patient care and transport. Paul is very involved with public education, special events and is a member of the bike team. Paul has also been working with Director Stuart to prepare and present presentations to civic groups and organizations explaining how our EMS system works. His peers have described Paramedic Stillman as a dedicated, caring employee who serves as a great example for all of Sussex County EMS.
Sussex County Emergency Medical Services would like to thank the Nanticoke Rotary Seaford for providing an outstanding dinner and awards ceremony. Sussex County EMS would also like to recognize and thank the event’s sponsors: Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Cadia Renaissance, Craig Technologies, I.G. Burton, Genesis Health Services, The Car Store, Tower Signs LLC., Sussex County Council, Community Bank Delaware, Nanticoke Cardiology, and the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company.
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For more information, please contact Eric Huovinen at (302) 854-5355.