Eight Toronto Paramedic Services employees have received the Governor General’s Medal for Exemplary Service in Emergency Medical Services. The ceremony was held last night during the awards gala at the annual Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs conference in Ottawa. The eight City of Toronto employees were part of a group of Ontario-based Emergency Medical Services employees who received this medal.
The Governor General’s Medal recipients have achieved 20 years of exemplary service in emergency medical services – at least 10 of those years performing duties with potential risk.
“I am exceptionally proud to witness these eight employees receive this prestigious medal,” said Toronto Paramedic Services Chief Gord McEachen. “They have dedicated their careers to serving those in need and are most deserving of this recognition. I am also very grateful to them – and in particular to their families who have supported them – for their illustrious careers.”
The names of the eight Toronto Paramedic Services recipients, with brief profiles, follow.
• Paramedic James Frank, an Advanced Care Paramedic and 26-year employee, is committed to his profession, his partner and his patients. Frank’s passion for his patients translated into his participation in many research projects over his tenure that have contributed to the advancement of the profession.
• Paramedic David Littler has 29 years of exemplary service. Not only does Littler provide outstanding care to his patients, he also takes time to promote the service at public events and through the media.
• Paramedic Sandra Lockwood has been a paramedic for 27 years, the majority of which have been as an advanced care paramedic. Her calm, self-assured presence and clinical excellence make Lockwood an outstanding paramedic and mentor to new paramedics.
• Paramedic Bryan Rusk has had an exemplary 22-year career as a paramedic, most recently as an advanced care paramedic. Rusk is dedicated to his patients as well as his fellow paramedics, as demonstrated by his diligent work as a lead member of the Divisional Health and Safety Committee, the Equipment and Uniform Committee and the Fleet Committee.
• Paramedic John Sheehan has been an exemplary paramedic for 26 years. Throughout his career, Sheehan has been a role model in his care and compassion for his patients. He is a leader among his peers and a mentor to younger paramedics.
• Superintendent Sheryl Jackson began her career as a paramedic in 1997. She later became an advanced care paramedic and has worked in several management roles, including Commander of Toronto Paramedic Services Safe City Program. Jackson now reports to the chief in a senior co-ordination role.
• Commander Michael McCallion began his career as a paramedic in 1983, progressing to senior paramedic roles on special teams and later to various management roles, including Commander, Special Operations, and Commander, Central Ambulance Communications Centre. McCallion led the service’s emergency medical and operational planning for the Toronto Pan Am/Para Pan Am Games.
• Deputy Chief Leo Tsang began his exemplary career as a paramedic in 1994, earning subsequent promotions to Commander, Central Ambulance Communications Centre, Commander, Special Operations, and his current position of Acting Deputy Chief of Operations. Tsang is a long-time member and advocate of the Peer Resource Team and always makes time for fellow staff.
This news release is also available on the City’s website: http://ow.ly/HMM130fwng1.
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