The 2018 ceremony took place on October 23 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel in Surrey. Close to 400 people attended.
Kevin Kelly and Michael Kelly-Gabriel, representing Chief Marilyn Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation, performed a traditional opening prayer song.
The Honourable Janet Austin, British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor; Linda Lupini, BCEHS and PHSA Executive Vice-President; and Barb Fitzsimmons, BCEHS Chief Operating Officer, greeted honourees on-stage.
In total, 173 people received Long Service Awards, 39 groups and individuals received Awards of Excellence, and 23 staff received Exemplary Service medals or bars.
We also presented three provincial awards, one of which was new this year:
- Brad Cameron of Victoria received the (new) Tom St. Laurent Memorial Award, which recognizes and celebrates a member of our service who embodies Tom’s qualities of compassion and unwavering commitment to both patients and staff. Throughout his 34-year career, Brad has been a true leader. He rarely misses an opportunity to volunteer at community events, and maintains an insatiable appetite for learning, sharing and teaching.
- Ron Straight received the Chief Operating Officer Commendation for his exemplary contributions to our service and to all British Columbians. Through his work and research on pre-hospital cardiac arrests and strokes, Ron has shown outstanding personal and professional qualities. He has saved countless lives; but it is through his work in education that he has influences every paramedic in our service.
- The Tahsis ambulance station crew from Vancouver Island received the Tony Sunderland award. This remote station has a core of local employees who are outstanding in their commitment to their patients, community and each other. They stand side-by-side, stepping up in any way that is needed; and show up for their community not only for calls, but for local events.
Congratulations to all our award winners, and thank you for the incredible work you do to provide great care to patients.
