News release

Paramedics Receive Exemplary Service Medals

Health and Wellness

The Exemplary Service Medal for Emergency Medical Services was presented today, Aug. 25, to 17 men and women who tirelessly work to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians.

Each Emergency Health Services paramedic has dedicated their career to preserving Canada's public safety through long and outstanding service. The awards were presented by Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis at Government House in Halifax.

"When tasked with stressful, life-and-death situations, paramedics regularly go above and beyond to deliver better health care to Nova Scotians and their families," said the lieutenant-governor. "They play a vital role in our health care system and deserve recognition."

The medal is part of a national recognition program for people who work in high-risk professions that enhance Canada's public safety.

The 2011 recipients of the Exemplary Service Medal for Emergency Medical Services are:

  • Martin Bell, Conquerall Bank
  • John Bessonette, Hammonds Plains
  • Robert Boudreau, Dartmouth
  • Douglas Bourque, Middle West Pubnico
  • Andy Boutlier, Lakeview
  • Lawrence Briand, North Sydney
  • Tim Colburn, Tatamagouche
  • Jeanette Diggdon, Middle West Pubnico
  • Allister Edwards, Port Caledonia
  • Jeff Fraser, Falmouth
  • William (Bill) Hill, Halifax
  • Crystal Larkin, Barrington
  • Tim Margeson, Kenvtille
  • James (Tony) Neville, Sydney
  • John (Bud) Sanford, Shubenacadie
  • Shane Strong, Ste.du Ruisseau
  • Barry Tracey, Petit de Grat

"Nova Scotia has the best ground ambulance system in the country and one of the best in North America," said Gary Ramey, Health and Wellness ministerial assistant, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Having such a highly regarded service is only possible because of the commendable, hard work of the brave men and women of Emergency Health Services.

"I'm proud to congratulate all of them for being nominated for such a prestigious award."

Nominations for the medal are submitted by the provincial awards committee to the national committee, which submits them to the Office of the Governor General.

The exemplary service medal is also given to people in other public safety professions such as police, corrections, fire rescue services, coast guard and peace officer.

"Recipients receive this honour as recognition from Canada for the dedication they have shown, and continue to show, towards the paramedic profession over the past 20 or more years," said Allan Day, advanced care paramedic with Emergency Health Services and member of the awards committee.

The Emergency Medical Exemplary Service Medal was created in 1994 to recognize paramedics who perform their duties in an exemplary manner through good conduct, efficiency and number of years in service.

To be considered for the award, a paramedic must have been employed with an emergency medical service on, or after, Oct. 31, 1991, and have completed 20 years of exemplary service, including 10 years service in situations of potential risk.