Nathan Sweet
Submitted
Anderson County EMS is proud to present the annual awards for EMT-IV, paramedic, and officer of the year. Each year we receive nominations from peers, and supervisors alike in regards to each award. These awards are truly tough to decide, as there are so many deserving providers here at Anderson County EMS.
It is amazing to look at all of the worthy providers and see how blessed we are to have them here! Anderson County should know that they are in good hands with their EMS service, as the EMT-IVs, paramedics, and officers that serve them every day are top-notch and making a difference.
EMT-IV of the Year
Gage Whitman is a well-regarded EMT-IV among his peers and supervisors. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence stand out. He always gives his personal best in his job. EMT-IV Whitman shows a genuine respect for all others, and exhibits outstanding customer service at all times. He is currently enrolled in the paramedic program at Roane State Community College and will undoubtedly make a great paramedic!
Paramedic of the Year
Keith Alred is truly deserving of this award for so many reasons. His performance is outstanding, and he is always willing to help others and the service wherever there is a need. His patience with students and new hires has brought him high praise from those who have had him as a preceptor. He has a lot of experience at many levels in EMS, and uses his knowledge and wisdom to make our service better. Paramedic Alred is a field training officer and also serves in other capacities on committees in our organization.
Officer of the Year
Lt. Steve Seals is someone who is always willing to help. He emphasizes a “crew first†mentality, always ready to meet a task or need as they arise. Seals is very meticulous and detail-oriented in all of his duties. We truly believe that his love for this service, our crews, and our community are evident in his work ethic and attitude. He has recently taken on the tasks of evaluating and choosing new electronic patient care reports (ePCR) that all of our crews would use on a daily basis, and launching our Critical Care program coming this fall.
Director’s Award
Angelia Martin received this years Director’s Award for her outstanding contributions to our service. When she first came to work with us in our billing department, we weren’t exactly sure what we were getting as an employee. We knew she was very knowledgeable and hard-working, and that she was a great customer service representative. But there was more we learned as time went on. Her positive attitude is infectious, and you will usually find smiles and laughter wherever she is. She is very supportive and strong, doing what is right and true. She is tremendously helpful to all who ask, going out of her way to meet a need. We have seen her give of her time to help in our first responder program, not only as an aid to the instructor, but to go as far as helping students that are in need. She is a tremendous asset to our entire system!
Three providers receive Certificates of Appreciation for the Tennessee Governor
EMT-IV Mark Dison, EMT-IV Alex Ridenour, and Paramedic Matt Jarnigan received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Tennessee governor for their response, aid, and treatment of an Anderson County High School student earlier this year. The mother of that student, Kim Smith, presented the awards to the three providers as she contacted the governor’s office on a mission to get AEDs and CPR training in every school in Tennessee. This is not required of our schools, but all of Anderson County Schools have AEDs and have trained their staff in CPR and AED use. A benefit that is the primary reason Smith’s daughter is alive today, and school officials started CPR and used the AED to save her daughter’s life. Dison, Ridenour, and Jarnigan were the responding EMS providers that continued the care of Mrs. Smith’s daughter to the hospital.
Next Steps Program Award
In our first ever awarding to a recently graduated high school student, Stephen “Chase†Watts was chosen as the recipient. Watts just graduated from Anderson County High School this year. He is an outstanding student who has had a passion for EMS work for some time. He took every opportunity to take classes that would help him pursue his healthcare career, enrolling in the EMS program offered at Anderson County High School as soon as he could. He received high praise from his instructor, April Freeman, and the school’s principal, Andrea Russell. Watts is very active in various charity events and has had some experience in leadership roles, both of which speak to his character and work ethic.
Watts will be hired full-time with Anderson County EMS, where he will be given the opportunity to go to EMT school and eventually to paramedic school. He is a welcomed addition to our team!
Nathan Sweet is director of Anderson County EMS.
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