Four Kawartha Lakes Paramedics recognized for excellence and 30 years of service
Primary Care Paramedic Kevin Sheahan, Advanced Care Paramedic Charles Phillips, Advanced Care and Community Paramedic Chris Barrow, and Deputy Chief and Advanced Care Paramedic Stephen Lucas
On November 20, 2024, 73 Ontario paramedics received their Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal bars for providing exemplary emergency medical services for 30, 40 and 50 years. The Honourable Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions presented the First, Second or Third Bars to these long-serving, deserving paramedics.
The late Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, created the Medal in 1994 as part of the Canadian Honours System. This award recognizes paramedics who have provided the highest standard of care and conduct. To qualify, at least ten years of service must have been in the field, on duty, involving potential risk.
Each Bar to the Exemplary Service Medal represents an additional award of the Medal. Paramedics who have served for at least thirty years receive their First Bar, forty years their Second Bar, and for fifty years, their Third Bar.
This year, four Kawartha Lakes’ paramedics were recognized for 30 years of service and received their first Governor General Exemplary Service Medal bar. Congratulations to the following:
Deputy Chief and Advanced Care Paramedic Stephen Lucas
Advanced Care Paramedic Charles Phillips
Primary Care Paramedic Kevin Sheahan
Advanced Care and Community Paramedic Chris Barrow
Prior to the ceremony, Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Chief Sara Johnston shared the news with Council at the November 19, 2024 Regular Council Meeting. Chief Johnston congratulated Deputy Chief Stephen Lucas and paramedics Charles Phillips, Kevin Sheahan and Chris Barrow on their outstanding achievement and thanked them for their contributions to the profession, service and community for over three decades.
“With more than 11,000 paramedics practicing in the province of Ontario these four are part of an elite group to receive this honour and on behalf of our service, the City and the community, I want to thank them for their dedication over three decades of exemplary service,” said Chief Johnston.
