Mail carrier honored by VCAD

Sunday, May 25, 2003

The Vernon County Ambulance District has made an annual event of recognizing outstanding effort by local law enforcement, fire and ambulance personnel during Emergency Medical Services Week. This year's awards were presented during a lunch in the VCAD garage. VCAD director James McKenzie made a point of recognizing the work dispatchers in various departments have done in making all EMS services better. "Dispatchers are the lifeblood of any EMS department. Without their dedication and hard work we would all be in chaos," he said. McKenzie said presenting a life-saving award is especially gratifying. "This is what we strive to do and it is nice to know we have helped because there are times when we don't know what happens after we deliver our charges to the hospital. Many times we don't know the outcome. We transport patients to the hospital then don't hear anything else." Some receiving honors wer unable to attend, but will receive the awards later. The three absent awardees, John Post, Christina Lewis and Leland Splitter responded to a call March 7 and were responsible for a clinical save. Next, McKenzie said he was happy to present an award to a non-EMS person because it showed community involvement. "In this case, mail carrier Steve Porcella was on his route when he heard a woman's cries for help. She had fallen and had broken bones. He called 911 and stayed with the woman until help arrived." McKenzie also recognized those who help with the district's charitable work. "Silver's Service Station has really helped us out with our annual Community Toy Drive and I wanted to acknowledge their participation. It's because of their efforts that we're able to help those who need it." Firefighter Steve Oberly accepted an award for the Nevada Fire Department. "They have provided help with extracting patients from wrecks and other valuable assistance," said McKenzie. The dispatchers McKenzie awarded certificates of appreciation to are; from the Nevada Police Department: Marilyn Selvey, Heath Schooley, Barbara Wilson, Donna Martin, Chris Cluck, Gina Neely. From the Vernon County Sheriff's Office: Lori Canaday, Mark Turner, lisa Bowles, Val Hunt, Chris Grimes, Donna Sagar.

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