Charlottetown, P.E.I. – Thirty-four Prince Edward Island paramedics were recognized Thursday with the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal during a ceremony at Government House.
It was the first time Island paramedics have received the award, which was created in 1994.
The medals recognize people in high-risk professions who have dedicated themselves to preserving Canada’s public safety through long and outstanding service. The awards are part of the Canadian honours system.
“Medavie Health Services is incredibly proud of the well-deserved recognition these paramedics are receiving today,” said president Erik Sande. “As part of Island EMS, each of them has dedicated their career to helping Prince Edward Islanders when they need it most. I would like to congratulate all our medal recipients and thank them for the unwavering commitment to care that they demonstrate on a daily basis.”
Medavie Health Services is currently contracted to provide EMS services in six Canadian provinces, including P.E.I.
Prince Edward Island Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry made the presentation to the 34 paramedics, who were nominated by their peers or the public for the recognition. Recipients must have demonstrated exemplary service for at least 20 years, including 10 years in an emergency medical services position that could put them at risk. There are more than 160 licensed paramedics in P.E.I.
Police, firefighters, corrections officers, Coast Guard members and peace officers are also eligible for exemplary service medals.
The recipients were:
• Michael Doucette, Charlottetown
• Ronald Blue, Cardigan
• Gerard Burt, Kensington
• Steven Burt, Kensington
• David Cahill, Alberton
• Blaine Carragher, O’Leary
• Lori Clow, Kinkora
• Tracy Fall, Stratford
• Kent Gallant, Cavendish
• Claude Gavin, Miscouche
• Stacey Grant, Cornwall
• Andrew Harvey, Kinkora
• Brent MacDonald, Alliston
• Heather McDougall, Argyle Shore
• Michael MacKenzie, Cornwall
• Phillip Pollard, Argyle Shore
• Annie MacPhee, Tyron
• Terrance MacPherson, Charlottetown
• Wilfred O’Brien, Souris
• Preston Rayner, Cornwall
• Daniel Smith, Charlottetown
• John Steele, Summerside
• Allison Sweet, O’Leary
• Jamie Thompson, Summerside
• Christopher Landry, Stratford
• Brian Thomson, Stratford
• Brent Nicholson, Cornwall
• George Carragher, Stratford
• Scott O’Niell, Summerside
• Cameron Ross, Souris
• Bruce Gallant, Alberton
• Jeff Waring, Cherry Hill
• Donald Hunter, Summerside
• Kelly Williams, Alberton
