KAWARTHA LAKES-65 Ontario paramedics received their Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal bars for providing exemplary emergency medical services for 30, 40 and 50 years on December 13. This year, two Kawartha Lakes’ paramedics were recognized for 30 years of service and received their first Governor General Exemplary Service Medal bar.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvie Jones presented the First, Second or Third Bars to these long-serving, deserving paramedics.
The late Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, created the Medal in 1994 as part of the Canadian Honours System. This recognition recognizes paramedics who have provided the highest standard of care and conduct. To qualify, at least ten years of service must have been in the field, on duty, involving potential risk.
Each Bar to the Exemplary Service Medal represents an additional award of the Medal. Paramedics who have served for at least thirty years receive their First Bar, forty years their Second Bar, and for fifty years, their Third Bar.
Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Chief Sara Johnston shared the news with Council at the December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting, congratulating paramedics Greg Murphy and Mark Oliver on their outstanding achievement and thanking them for their contributions to the profession, service and community for over three decades.
“There aren’t very many paramedics that are able to meet this level of distinction throughout their career. It’s not just a years of service award, it’s really showing and demonstrating that you’ve contributed in a positive way to the profession. So we want to congratulate Mark and Greg but also extend our deepest gratitude to them for over 30 years of public service to the community,” said Chief Johnston.
Photo Caption: Kawartha Lakes Paramedics Mark Oliver (left) and Greg Murphy (right) at the awards ceremony
