FARMINGTON – NorthStar EMS recently recognized several of its EMT staff at its traditional annual dinner and awards night during National Emergency Medical Services Week.

Highlighting the evening were the EMT of the Year awards. The awards are bestowed on employees who go above and beyond for NorthStar in areas of professionalism, patient care, community service and stewardship. Awards are given for Base EMT of the Year for each of NorthStar’s five bases, as well as an Overall NorthStar EMT of the Year.

This year’s overall award winner was Wade Browne of Kingfield. He was cited for his innovations in improving the billing process for NorthStar, his service in the area, his excellent patient care, his leadership at NorthStar’s Sugarloaf base and his positive impact throughout the system.

In giving the award, David Robie, NorthStar director, praised Browne as an all-around asset to NorthStar and to the communities he serves. “We are very proud and fortunate to have a person of Wade’s outstanding caliber in our service,” he noted.

Also announced were the base EMTs of the year recipients. Award winners were: Greg Drummond of Highland Plantation, Sugarloaf base; Peggy Betts of Oquossoc, Rangeley base and a two-time winner; Ben Guild of Industry, Phillips base; Peter Wade of Farmington, Farmington base; and Don Salm of Phillips, Livermore base.

As each was introduced, their operation managers, Mike Senecal and Felicia Harris, and their peers said a few words about his or her accomplishments. Each recipient’s name is engraved on the respective base awards plaque as a permanent reminder of their award.

The ceremony also included presentations by Richard Batt, Franklin Memorial Hospital president; Jay Bradshaw, Maine EMS director; and local pastor, John Pillsbury. A video with music, prepared by Ed Strapp, EMT-I, Matt Smith, EMT-P, Alan Hutchinson and Tim Cormier, was presented.

According to Robie, the entire night was orchestrated by Carol Pillsbury, EMT-P, who also received a plaque for her dedication to EMS.

Earlier in the week Gov. John Baldacci, Maine EMS and Maine Healthy Partnerships recognized NorthStar as a Gold HeartSafe Community. The award reflects NorthStar’s commitment to cardiovascular-related education and the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival.

Other events held in conjunction with National EMS Week included open houses at the bases and presentations to local schools.

NorthStar is the regional ambulance service of Franklin Memorial Hospital. More information about NorthStar can be found at www.fchn.org/NorthStar.