Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A teary-eyed Janice Cox, widow of Jerry Cox, presented Deb White with the Kosciusko Community Hospital Jerry Cox Mental Attitude award during the second annual EMS awards banquet Tuesday at KCH.
The first award of its kind, it is named for the late Cox, an EMT-Advanced who worked for Multi-Township EMS. A co-worker at MTEMS thought this would be a good way to preserve his memory.
EMS coordinator Carla Gebert said, "This very special award is given to the EMS person who represents the true attitude and actions of the EMS professional. This award will be presented to the EMS person, of any certification level, who exhibits a working example of devotion and sacrifice. This person should have an attitude of service and mental attitude that allows them to stand out as an EMS professional.
"White was nominated by her peers at MTEMS and from basic life support personnel who work with her at scenes," Gebert said. "She was chosen because of her exceptional compassion and caring attitude during and after ambulance calls. She was described as a knowledgeable person who always makes it a point to be professional and compassionate - even on stressful calls.
"It was very apparent from the nominations presented that White fits the unique qualities to be the first recipient of the Jerry Cox Mental Attitude Award."
Gebert said she was overwhelmed by the number of nominations (60) for awards this year.
The forms are passed out among hospital personnel who don't have much contact with EMS crews and they select the award winners.
Deb Mast was named KCH EMT-Basic of the Year.
Mast was nominated by her peers at Milford EMS. She was described as a dedicated and caring person who always goes the extra mile.
"She has suffered through personal tragedies and always manages to find time to encourage her friends, patients and colleagues," Gebert said. "One comment made about her was: 'Deb loves what she does and it shows when she is helping a patient. She has overcome her own medical problems and knows what it means to have true compassion for others.'"
The second awards banquet of its kind, the meeting was also considered an in-service. About 60 EMS personnel attended the meeting including large groups from Milford, Pierceton and Multi-Township staffs.
Tom Barker is the KCH driver of the year. Nominated by his peers at Pierceton-Washington-Monroe EMS, he was chosen for his dedication to service.
"One person said they were always glad to learn Tom was going to be their driver on an EMS run 'because I know his knowledge of a situation will help me do a better job as an EMT,'" Gebert said.
Carl Wireman was named the KCH EMT-Advanced of the Year.
Wireman works for Multi-Township EMS and was nominated by his peers.
"They described him as a great technician with a wonderfully upbeat attitude," Gebert said. "One comment made about Carl was he is always a bundle of excitement to work with. You always know his skills will be impeccable, plus he has a way of keeping everything light and fun.'"
Rich McNeil is the KCH Paramedic of the Year. McNeil works for North Webster EMS. He was nominated by several basic life support personnel.
"In my opinion, there is none better," Gebert said, describing one comment. "Rich is the most well-versed person I have ever seen in EMS. I find it an honor to work in the field with a man of his talent and compassion toward his fellow man."
