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Va. firefighters recognized for work in EMS

Three Bristol firefighters have been honored by the Southwest Virginia Regional EMS Council, recognizing efforts from SWAT medic support to EMS training

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Bristol Herald Courier

BRISTOL, Va. — Three Bristol, Virginia firefighters were recognized during for this year’s Southwest Virginia Regional EMS awards.

The annual awards are facilitated by the Southwest Virginia Regional EMS Council . Each year nominations are submitted by individuals familiar with the candidates work in a specific area of EMS, according to a written statement.


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Fire Captain Brandon Moore was selected for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response. Moore has worked tirelessly to develop a SWAT Medic program whereby a Firefighter/EMT is embedded with the Bristol Police SWAT team during deployments. The Firefighter/EMT is there to provide immediate first-aid in the event an officer is wounded.

He has also coordinated several active shooter exercises and is the chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). He also serves as the city’s deputy emergency management coordinator.

Fire Lieutenant Josh Wilkinson was selected for Innovation Excellence in EMS. Lt. Wilkinson is the fire department’s EMS officer and oversees the EMS medical supply inventory utilized by the fire department.

This includes the proper storage of medicines that meet the strict requirements of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Lt. Wilkinson monitors all medical supplies and ensures orders are placed so that an adequate inventory is maintained. He also provides EMS training for the fire department.

Fire Lieutenant Chase Carrier was selected for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children.

Lt Carrier manages the fire department’s public education program, which is an outreach effort to children of all ages to teach them about fire safety. Each year, firefighters visit city schools and interact with children.

The program also includes coordinating visits to fire stations. This year Bristol firefighters participated in Virginia High School’s skill day and instructed students on the proper use of a fire extinguisher.

All nominations are reviewed by a panel from the Southwest Virginia Regional EMS Council and are announced at the annual awards banquet. This year’s banquet was held at Highlands Fellowship Church in Abingdon . The EMS awards are given to personnel who demonstrate excellence in emergency medical services in a variety of categories, according to the statement.

Regional award winners will be considered for a statewide award, which will be named by the governor.

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