“Having the Lt. Governor there to congratulate and thank our staff on behalf of all British Columbians will be a great honour and truly meaningful,” said Barb Fitzsimmons, BCEHS Chief Operating Officer. “At the ceremony she will also have an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the excellent work our staff does each and every day.” 

Nineteen Awards of Excellence, the Tony Sunderland Memorial Plaque of Pride and the Chief Operating Officer’s Commendation winners will be celebrated at the ceremony and more than 200 long service awards for employees that have worked at BCEHS for 25 years or longer will be presented.  

The Tony Sunderland Memorial Plaque of Pride is awarded to an employee in recognition of dedication and loyalty to the BC Ambulance Service and a spirit of strong commitment to the needs of communities. Tony Sunderland died of a heart attack while providing patient care in 1988. He was the first BCAS paramedic to die while on duty. The plaque was developed in his honour in consultation with his family.  

The Chief Operating Officer’s Commendation is awarded to employees who have made a province-wide, positive impact and illustrate outstanding personal and professional qualities that serve as an example to other employees.

Last year, the Tony Sunderland Memorial Plaque of Pride was presented to the Tofino ambulance station for their response to the whale-watching tragedy in October 2015.  

The COO’s Commendation was awarded to critical care paramedic Bob Penhale for his work to research and trial a non-invasive system to monitor a patient’s temperature called Spot On.  

“I’m really looking forward to this celebration and to being with all the long service and award recipients.” Fitzsimmons said. “The breadth of achievements and milestones our staff have reached in this past year is nothing short of awe-inspiring.”