Copyright 2006 Boston Herald Inc.
By RENEE NADEAU
The Boston Herald
Paramedic of the Year Robert Morley said he’s a little embarrassed by the attention he’ll be receiving tonight, but he can expect plenty of it with his three awards.
“I would rather see everyone else get an award for the work they do every day,” he said.
Morley, also being recognized for his 25 years in Boston EMS, is one of 47 honorees at the 14th annual Boston Emergency Medical Services Awards Dinner tonight at the Boston Marriot Copley Place.
Award recipients have been chosen for their courageous acts both on and off duty and their work in the community. Some honorees come from other city departments, local businesses and local communities. All have helped improve emergency medical services in the city.
Morley and EMTs William DeYoung and Sean Alexander are receiving unit citations for charging into a burning building in Roxbury to try to save two men, one of whom had been shot. Nine other paramedics and EMTs will receive citations.
Alexander is receiving a second award for community service. He speaks to kids in the Department of Youth Services, hoping to keep the teenagers from committing crimes.
Some recipients aren’t sure what their awards are for. EMT Roger Furtado said he doesn’t have any idea what his Meritorious Service Medal is for. EMS Lt. Christopher Stratton said Furtado is being honored for being a nice guy. Furtado remains kind to even the most difficult patients, some of whom are intoxicated and abusive.
Stratton said Boston has some of the best emergency medical personnel in the country. A past recipient of several awards, Stratton said the awards help educate the public about EMS and boost morale within the department.