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2010 Niagara Emergency Medical Services Awards

Each year, Niagara Emergency Medical Services recognizes staff that go above and beyond their duties as paramedics or emergency medical dispatchers.

Regional Chair's Award of Valour

Gary Hass
Advanced Care Paramedic

Awarded in recognition of performance above and beyond the call of duty as demonstrated by an act of bravery while off duty.
While off-duty, he observed a car crashing into the Niagara River in Fort Erie. Without hesitation, Gary rescued 4 people from a partially submerged vehicle. While waiting for on-duty paramedics and other emergency services personnel to arrive on scene, he provided emergency medical support to each of the patients.

Shane Eickmann
Primary Care Paramedic

Awarded in recognition of his commitment and dedication to the advancement and promotion of Niagara Emergency Medical Services, its principles of service and caring for the community.
In his relatively short tenure as a medic, graduated in 2009, he has demonstrated outstanding initiative and commendable execution of his paramedic responsibilities and skills as witnessed in his voluntary efforts.
Shane was part of Global Medic's response team to the catrostrophic earthquake in Haiti in January. In April, also as part of Global Medic, he and a Niagara EMS colleague participated in a 14-day mission. While there, he focused on restoring access to clean drinking water through the provision of water purification units, as well as restoring medical infrastructure through the use of an inflatable field hospital.

Danny Kerr
Advanced Care Paramedic

Awarded to honour his contribution of outstanding service to the public, co-workers and the community.
In April, along with his colleague from Niagara EMS Shane Eikmann, nurses, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, soldier, and a doctor, Danny completed a two-week humanitarian mission with Global Medic in Cambodia.
This mission included organizing and running medical clinics in villages and orphanages while providing first aid training to staff members at schools and orphanages.
To aid in this mission, along with Shane, Danny assisted in organizing the successful fund raising campaign which aided the Cambodian relief project resulting in approximately $15,000 in cash donation and a cargo container filled with donated supplies destined for Cambodia.

Ritch Lowell
Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatcher

This award is presented to an Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatcherr who contributes outstanding service to the public, co-workers, and the community.
Ritch is known for his professionalism, work ethic, approachable demeanour, and contributions. He is a team player who is quick to jump in and assist others in his work environment. His enthusiasm for his job is apparent, and his colleagues appreciate his positive attitude, dedication, and commitment to care. Often described as a 'bridge builder' by his colleagues.
Ritch is enthusiastic about training and teaching new trainees at the Communications Centre. His prior experience in fire training transfers to his day-to-day execution of duties.
Outside of his role at the Communications Centre, Ritch maintains his commitment to emergency services by teaching water and ice water rescue and equipment testing for fire.

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