Brave. Dedicated. Willing. Reliable. These words describe the 80,000 licensed or certified EMS providers in California. They demonstrate these qualities every day by coming to the aid of others when they are most in need and working to ensure that the EMS system operates well. However, each year, due to circumstance or extraordinary effort, certain individuals among us shine.

The EMS Authority seeks to recognize those individuals through the California Emergency Medical Services Awards Program. The awards program honors special accomplishments, meritorious and heroic acts, innovations or fresh ideas to improve EMS in the state, or other unique and/or significant contributions by EMS personnel, physicians, nurses, EMTs, other medical providers, local officials, members of the law enforcement community, citizens, and first responders.

The California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) is pleased to announce California EMS Awards recipients for the year 2022. Forty-three (43) outstanding individuals will be honored for their heroic acts and extraordinary contributions to EMS at the award ceremony scheduled for May 23, 2023.

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• • Civilian Award

    Recognizes a civilian (non-certified, non-health care provider) who provides extraordinary service during the course of an EMS emergency.

    • Taylor Jordan – Santa Barbara

      Taylor Jordan’s heroic actions resulted in a life saved. Mr. Jordan spotted a boat that had ran aground. The captain of the boat had been knocked unconscious and pinned down by a bait box. Mr. Jordan and the captain’s brother were the first to spot and board the ship. They boarded the ship, located the captain and extracted him as safety personnel boarded the ship.

  • Clinical Excellence

    Recognizes an EMT who provides noteworthy patient care and treatment during the course of their duties. *Clinical Excellence Awards are presented at the recipients’ home stations, not at the EMS Awards Ceremony.

    • Taylor Batey – San Jose – American Medical Response

      The efforts demonstrated by Paramedic Batey in their effort to provide prompt, life-saving care to the patient is a true testament to her professionalism and dedication. Paramedic Batey responded to a call for a pediatric full arrest. They were unable to gain access to the residential apartment and made the quick decision to jump the gate to not delay treatment.

    • Andres Castilleja – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Castilleja assisted in lifting the car that pinned the young boy. This allowed for immediate lifesaving intervention and transport to the Emergency Room.

    • Alexandra Johnson – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Johnson assisted in lifting the car that pinned the young boy. This allowed for immediate lifesaving intervention and transport to the Emergency Room.

    • Kevin Lundgren – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Lundgren assisted in lifting the car that pinned the young boy. This allowed for immediate lifesaving intervention and transport to the Emergency Room.

    • Ethan Miller – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Miller assessed the young boy, realizing the gravity of the traumatic injuries, and jumped into action to assist in freeing the boy. Miller pulled the boy out from under the car. This allowed for immediate lifesaving intervention and transport to the Emergency Room.

    • Desi Rodriguez – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Upon arrival to the scene Captain Rodriguez assisted with controlling the chaos that ensued in the busy shopping center and bring command structure to the scene.

    • Nicholas Russo – San Carlos – American Medical Response

      The efforts demonstrated by EMT Russo in their effort to provide prompt, life-saving care to the patient is a true testament to his professionalism and dedication. EMT Russo responded to a call for a pediatric full arrest. They were unable to gain access to the residential apartment and made the quick decision to jump the gate to not delay treatment.

    • Jeff Witt – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Upon arrival at the scene Captain Witt assisted with controlling the chaos that ensued in the busy shopping center and bring command structure to the scene.

  • Distinguished Service Medal

    Recognizes an individual for distinguished service or achievement affecting statewide EMS over an extended period of time. A maximum of ten Distinguished Service Medals will be awarded in any one year.

    • Jennifer Antonucci – Murrieta – Murrieta Fire and Rescue

      Antonucci, a Murrieta Fire and Rescue EMS Coordinator, is commended for her selfless commitment to EMS industry. She ensures paramedics are trained to provide patients with the care and compassion they deserve. Antonucci has an outstanding ability to teach others and has a passion for the industry.

    • Phong Nguyen – Redlands – Redlands Fire Department

      With 24 years of dedication to the Redlands Fire Department as the EMS Medical Director, Dr. Phong Nguyen tirelessly provides the department with medical direction through updated protocols, equipment, education, and best practices.

    • John Commander – Riverside – San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

      John Commander has been an active EMS Educator for over 47 years. Commander demonstrates heart and soul in everything he does and his commitment to procedures and protocols. He is instrumental in implementing, maintaining, enhancing, and delivering the departments EMY and public education program.

  • EMS Administrator of the Year

    Honors an EMS system administrator who has distinguished him or her self through noteworthy contribution to a local, regional, or to the statewide EMS system. Local EMS administrators (supervisory operations, planning, or management personnel) in California are eligible.

    • Travis Kusman – South San Fransisco – San Mateo County

      Travis Kusman’s tireless commitment, patient-centric approach, and leadership in leveraging relationships and resources across EMS, public health, public safety, and emergency management are hallmarks of his 28 years of public service. Throughout his career he has distinguished himself through noteworthy contributions at the local, regional, statewide, national, and international EMS system levels.

  • EMS Cross

    Recognizes a uniformed EMT who by act and deed represents the most outstanding achievement or accomplishment in EMS over an extended period of time. This is the highest award that can be conferred in the absence of extreme conditions and extraordinary circumstances.

    • Edward Smith – Bakersfield – Hall Ambulance Service, Inc./ Kern County EMS Agency

      Edward Smith retired after 50 years of service to Hall Ambulance Service Inc. in Bakersfield.  Smith is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word and epitomizes Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. founder’s ideals of care, compassion, and community. Smith’s dedication to Hall Ambulance Service and the citizens of Kern County is unparalleled.

    • Derek Parker – Merced – City of Merced Fire Department

      Derek Parker’s dedication to the betterment of the local EMS and the providers far exceeds expectations. Chief Parker has continuously looked for new and innovative ways to address serious issues in EMS Delivery. Through partnership and collaboration, Parker is devoted to professional development and works to overcome obstacles.

  • EMS Educator of the Year

    Honors an EMS educator who excels as a teacher or who has made a significant contribution to the EMS education program in the State.

    • Ricardo Segura – Concord

      Ricardo Segura has the ability to connect with people of all ages, languages, and diverse backgrounds. He goes to extreme lengths to make sure his students engage in learning. Segura has a unique ability to adapt and meet the learning needs of each individual student. He emulates the educational equity mindset to foster a more inclusive environment that will support health equity.

  • EMS Medical Director of the Year

    Honors a physician who serves or has served the EMS system by providing medical direction, on-line or off-line, and who has served with distinction. A physician licensed in California who serves or has served meritoriously as an EMS physician supervisor or as an on-line medical control physician and who has made a special contribution through such activities as systems development, continuing education, quality assurance, medical community liaison, etc.
    

    • Gene Hern – Oakland – AMR, EMS Base Hospital Director, Highland Hospital

      Doctor Gene Herm has been a tireless advocate for improving the care for those suffering from opioid use disorder and was instrumental in demonstrating the utility of EMS initiated buprenorphine as part of the continuum of care. Dr. Hern has volunteered countless hours of his time to LEMSA’s who are interested.

  • Community Service Award

    Recognizes an EMT who has made an outstanding commitment to non-patient care aspects of a community’s EMS system. Special emphasis is on EMS Public Information, Education, and Relations.
    

    • Matthew Swenson – Redlands – Redlands Fire Department

      Firefighter Paramedic Matthew Swenson is dedicated and professional both while responding to calls of service and around the department. His impressive leadership skills are evident through his ability to elicit change and improvement amongst his peers. Swenson is actively involved in the department through EMS (high-performance CPR cadre) and the Public Information team.

  • EMT of the Year

    Honors an EMT-I, EMT-II and EMT-Paramedic, each of whom is exemplary in his/her quality of patient care and/or dedication to their community. Any statewide certified EMT-I or EMT-II, and any licensed EMT-Paramedic is eligible. Nominations may be made by anyone.

    • Christian Dominguez – Redlands – Redlands Fire Department

      With nearly a decade of leadership and innovative thinking within the EMS industry, FFPM Dominguez continues to push the Redlands Fire Department and its personnel in a progressive avenue. Dominguez’s professionalism and outstanding performance both during responses to calls for service and well conducting himself around the department exemplifies leadership.

  • Inter-Service EMS Recognition Medal

    Recognizes outstanding heroism, extraordinary service, or achievement of non-EMTs (police officers, firefighters, lifeguards, dispatchers, and other public or private safety officers) for outstanding or exceptional support of a particular EMS emergency, event or operation.
    

    • Joshua Brown – Sacramento – Sacramento Police Department

      Detective Joshua Brown, while off duty, spotted a CHP officer performing CPR on an individual on the side of the road. Brown pulled over to assist and considered a possible opioid overdose. Brown retrieved Naloxone from his vehicle and administered it to the individual, and after 2 more rounds of CPR the individual began to breathe on his own. Had it not been for Brown’s recognition of the need for assistance, quick thinking, and administration of Naloxone the individual may have had a different outcome.

    • Kari Cotton – Perris – California Department of Parks and Recreation

      While serving as lead dispatcher, Kari Cotton assisted with a critical nighttime winter rescue of a State Park Peace Officer who sustained major injuries during a rescue attempt of stranded hikers at Mount San Jacinto State Park. Cotton remained assertive and confident while comforting the injured officer assuring them help was on the way. Cotton connected all resources and made the rescue possible.

    • Noe Magana – Ventura – Ventura County Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Magana assisted in lifting the car that pinned the young boy. This allowed for immediate lifesaving intervention and transport to the Emergency Room.

    • Michelle Ott – Sacramento – Bay Area – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

      While Michelle Ott was enroute to work she noticed a car driving erratically, crashing into the center divider before going airborne and landing in a reservoir. Ott ran to the scene to assess. Through mud and water Ott was able to remove the driver from the car and get him to safety. Once in a safe location Ott continued to assess the driver until paramedics arrived at the scene.

    • Austin Whittaker – Ventura – Ventura County Sheriffs Department

      Austin Whittaker responded to an “animal bite/attack” call and upon arrival witnesses a female minor being viciously attacked by 6 cane Corso dogs. Despite all attempts to interrupt the attack the dogs did not disperse. Deputy Whittaker put himself in harms way and fended off the attacking dogs allowing for the victim to be rescued, treated, and transported to a local trauma center.

  • Lifesaving Medal

    Recognizes an EMS provider who, while in an off-duty or volunteer capacity, makes an extremely noteworthy contribution to efforts which result in the saving of a life.

    • Oleg Klepach – Elk Grove

      Paramedic Oleg Klepach has traveled twice to the Ukraine with express mission of training and equipping the fire service in Ukraine to deliver life saving interventions on the front lines of the Ukraine War. Klepach provided first aid trauma training and equipped Ukraine firefighters with chest seals and tourniquets. The training provided later saved the lives of civilians following a missile attack. Klepach assisted in rebuilding the fire station, made hot meals, delivered donations, and built a playground.

    • Ania Langiewicz – Sacramento

      Paramedic Ania Langiewicz has traveled twice to the Ukraine with express mission of training and equipping the fire service in Ukraine to deliver lifesaving interventions on the front lines of the Ukraine War. Langiewicz provided first aid trauma training and equipped Ukraine firefighters with chest seals and tourniquets. The training provided later saved the lives of civilians following a missile attack. Langiewicz assisted in rebuilding the fire station, made hot meals, delivered donations, and built a playground.

  • Medal of Valor

    Recognizes an individual for a meritorious act or service within EMS. This award also recognizes an EMT for an act that is above and beyond the call of duty in the course of a particular EMS emergency or event.

    • Menachem Boganim – Tarzana – Hatzolah of Los Angeles

      Menachem Boganim, an aspiring nurse practitioner, dedicates many hours caring for his community through volunteering as an Emergency Technician for Hatzolah of Los Angeles Emergency Medical Services. When responding to a call of an unresponsive patient he came under heavy gunfire from a nearby robbery. He noticed children playing outside, directly in the line of fire he shielded the children with his body and swiftly carried them indoors to safety. He then ensured all congregates of the synagogue were barricaded inside. Once the police arrived and secured the premises he went on to render medical care to the unresponsive patient.

    • Logan Hershman – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      Logan Hershman responded to an “animal bite/attack” call and upon arrival witnesses a female minor being viciously attacked by 6 cane Corso dogs. Despite all attempts to interrupt the attack the dogs did not disperse. Hershman put himself in harms way and fended off the attacking dogs allowing for the victim to be rescued, treated, and transported to a local trauma center.

    • Zachary Trottier – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      Zachary Trottier responded to an “animal bite/attack” call and upon arrival witnesses a female minor being viciously attacked by 6 cane Corso dogs. Despite all attempts to interrupt the attack the dogs did not disperse. Trottier put himself in harms way and fended off the attacking dogs allowing for the victim to be rescued, treated, and transported to a local trauma center.

    • Austyn Frailey – Camarillo – Ventura County Fire Department

      Austyn Frailey responded to an “animal bite/attack” call and upon arrival witnesses a female minor being viciously attacked by 6 cane Corso dogs. Despite all attempts to interrupt the attack the dogs did not disperse. Frailey put himself in harms way and fended off the attacking dogs allowing for the victim to be rescued, treated, and transported to a local trauma center.

    • Seth Belville – Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

      In response to a call for service involving a vehicle over the side of the road, Deputy Belville was hoisted down to heavy vegetation. As flames quickly grew around Belville and an unconscious person, Belville acted quickly manipulating a rescue harness. He used his physical strength, stamina, and training to secure the victim while quickly assessing him for massive bleeds and maintain his airway. Belville and the victim were hoisted back into the helicopter without being burned.

  • Meritorious Service Medal

    Recognizes an individual for a meritorious act or service within EMS. This award also recognizes an EMT for an act that is above and beyond the call of duty in the course of a particular EMS emergency or event.

    • Timothy Cabral – Riverside – CAL FIRE

      Fire Captain Timothy Cabral responded to an emergency for eminent childbirth in an unincorporated area of Romoland located in Riverside County. Cabral arrived at the scene within minutes of the call being dispatched. He found the patient was pregnant with twins and was 27 weeks premature. Cabral delivered baby A and performed CPR while the mother was still in labor. Cabral performed life saving measures until additional support arrived to transport the mother.

    • Gozalo Galvez – Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

      In response to a call for service involving a vehicle over the side of the road, Gozalo Galvez assisted with the rescue of an unconscious person surrounded by a rapidly growing fire. Galvez and his team acted quickly to assist the victim and transport them to safety.

    • Ignacio Garcia IV – Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

      In response to a call for service involving a vehicle over the side of the road, Ignacio Garcia IV assisted with the rescue of an unconscious person surrounded by a rapidly growing fire. Garcia and his team acted quickly to assist the victim and transport them to safety.

    • Jared Gray – Camarillo – American Medical Response Ventura County

      Jared Gray responded to a vehicle that crashed into a pole and instantly caught fire. Gray did not hesitate as he jumped out of the ambulance to rescue the victim trapped in the car. Gray wasted no time, risking his own safety in the face of flames to render life-saving care to the victim.

    • Jason Jamal – Los Angeles – Los Angeles City Fire Department

      For heroic lifesaving efforts that helped free a trapped occupant after a vehicle collision. Jamal assisted in lifting the car that pinned the young boy. This allowed for immediate lifesaving intervention and transport to the Emergency Room.

    • Kenny O’Reilly – Sausalito – Marin County LEMSA

      Paramedic Kenny O’Reilly’s recognition of the life-threatening injuries and quick thinking resulted in a recommendation for a helicopter transport of the victim on a cargo ship. O’Reilly assisted with the call and provided immediate advanced life support care upon arrival. Once safe O’Reilly packaged, loaded and was lifted into the USCG helo basked while continuing care.

    • Hiram Sanchez  – San Marcos – American Medical Response

      While transporting a stable patient, Hiram Sanchez came upon a traffic collision. He notified his partner who was in the back with the patient that he would be pulling over to assess the situation. Sanchez quickly identified 4 patients, one who was unconscious with agonal respirations. Sanchez assisted the patient until returning to the ambulance to grab the fire extinguisher, notifying his partner that the patient was trapped in the car and adjacent car was on fire. Sanchez positioned himself on the passenger side of the vehicle, closest to the fire, and used his body to shield the patient while pulling them to safety. Sanchez’s management of the scene ensured the safety of the victims, bystanders, and directly resulted in the patient being freed, likely saving their life.

    • Shane Seacord – Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

      In response to a call for service involving a vehicle over the side of the road, Shane Seacord assisted with the rescue of an unconscious person surrounded by a rapidly growing fire. Seacord and his team acted quickly to assist the victim and transport them to safety.

    • Austin Smith – Riverside – CAL FIRE

      Austin Smith responded to a call of eminent childbirth. Once the mother was loaded into the ambulance, she began delivering baby B. The bay presented breech with a nuchal cord. Smith removed the cord from the neck and completed the delivery. He immediately began newborn resuscitation due to it being apneic. Due to his efforts the baby arrived with a pulse.

    • Robert Springer – Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

      In response to a call for service involving a vehicle over the side of the road, Robert Springer assisted with the rescue of an unconscious person surrounded by a rapidly growing fire. Springer and his team acted quickly to assist the victim and transport them to safety.

    • Richard Thomsen – Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

      In response to a call for service involving a vehicle over the side of the road, Richard Thomsen assisted with the rescue of an unconscious person surrounded by a rapidly growing fire. Thomsen and his team acted quickly to assist the victim and transport them to safety.

    • Lawson Stuart – Bridgeport – Mountain Warfare Fire Department

      In response to a call at the US Maine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center to assist a patient with a possible heat injury, Stewart’s leadership of the team as well as his continued care of the patient in the ambulance to keep him alive after resuscitation were exemplary. His calm demeanor and life saving efforts saved a life.