Sen. Ronnie Chance wins GAEMS Star of Life Legislative Award
10/13/2008
Sen. Ronnie Chance wins prestigious state EMS award
By Cindy Morley
Sen. Ronnie Chance surrounded by EMS personnel and officials from county and PTC
“This is very much deserved. Senator Ronnie Chance as always been a big supporter of emergency management and has helped EMS in this county so much,” said Capt. Pete Nelms of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Nelms was joined by other local and state officials and EMS personnel Friday afternoon at the Peachtree City Fire Station No. 81 on Paschall Road as Chance was honored by the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services-- a statewide association representing over 14,000 EMS professionals in Georgia.
Ironically, The ceremonial presentation of the GAEMS Star of Life Legislative Award, was cut short as an alarm sounded and emergency personnel had to answer a call.
“Having Senator Ronnie Chance as a recipient of the GAEMS Star of Life Legislative Award is a great honor for our association,” said GAEMS Chairman Courtney Terwilliger.
“Senator Chance has been a true leader for the EMS community on numerous issues.
“He served on a study committee that helped to identify some of the key solutions to the problems our profession is facing, and then he helped to bring some of those solutions to a reality. GAEMS is honored to recognize Senator Chance for his commitment to the lifesaving contributions of our EMTs and Paramedics,” continued Terwilliger.
According to Steven Folden, EMS Educator at
Fayette County Department of Fire & EMS, “Senator Chance has always been a tremendous advocate on the issues that affect EMS professionals. Senator Chance’s remarkable leadership is helping to enhance the safety and well being of our communities.
“We felt presenting him with this award was a great opportunity to show him our appreciation for the leadership and courage he’s provided.
“EMTs in Georgia regularly put their lives on the line everyday, and they do so out of dedication and a sincere commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve. We are sincerely grateful for Senator Chance’s support and for also showing these same qualities and attributes,” Folden said.
The Award is named for the EMS Symbol, which is a blue, six-pointed star with the Rod of Asclepius in the center. Each of the bars of the blue Star of Life represents the six system functions of emergency medical services: detection, reporting, response, on scene care, care in transit and transfer to definitive care.
The Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services is a state-wide organization consisting of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Paramedics, EMS Administrators, EMS Educators, EMS Medical Directors and other associates from across the State.
Sen. Ronnie Chance wins prestigious state EMS award
