Awards & Ceremony

MEDALS FOR VALOR

Medal of Valor

Nominee must be a uniformed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic) serving in an official capacity at the time of the incident.
The nominee must have performed a singular act of valor or heroism while delivering emergency medical care at a specific point in time, not sustained actions over time.
The nominee's actions directly resulted in saving a life or significantly improved the patient's survival chances.
The act must have gone beyond standard duty expectations.
The event must be exceptional in nature, meaning it involved unusual levels of danger, extreme environmental conditions, or a crisis requiring immediate, decisive action.

Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor is the highest recognition for prehospital providers who demonstrate extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of extreme danger while providing emergency medical care. This award is reserved for exceptional cases and is rarely given.

Max awards per year: None, but exceedingly rarely given.

Lifesaving Medal

Nominee must be a licensed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, or licensed EMS professional).
The lifesaving act must have been performed while off-duty, without the expectation of duty-related intervention and not receiving compensation for their intervention.
The nominee must have provided direct medical care or life-saving intervention that contributed to a positive patient outcome.
The nominee's actions must have significantly improved the patient's chance of survival before official EMS resources arrived.
The act must have gone above and beyond what an average bystander would do, utilizing EMS training and experience in a critical moment.

Lifesaving Medal

The Lifesaving Medal recognizes an EMS provider who, while off-duty and acting in an unofficial capacity, made a noteworthy and exceptional contribution that directly resulted in saving a life. This award is rarely given and is for cases where the individual's actions went above and beyond what would be expected of a civilian bystander.

Max awards per year: None, but rarely given.

MEDALS FOR MERIT

Distinguished EMS Cross

Nominee must be a licensed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, EMD, or licensed EMS professional).
The nominee must have consistently demonstrated significant contributions to EMS, improving patient care, education, leadership, or system development.
The achievements must be sustained over an extended period of time, not a single event.
The achievements had an exceptional impact on EMS - significantly influencing operations, education, leadership or innovation.
The nominee must be recognized by peers an a leader, mentor, and role model in EMS.
The achievements show a dedication and influence that far exceeds standard expectations of someone in a similar role.

Distinguished EMS Cross

The Distinguished EMS Cross recognizes an EMS professional who has demonstrated the most outstanding achievement or accomplishment in EMS over an extended period of time. This award is the highest honor conferred in the absence of extreme conditions or extraordinary circumstances.

Max awards per year: None, but exceedingly rarely given.

Distinguished Service Medal

Nominee must be a licensed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, EMD, or other licensed EMS professional).
The nominee must have consistently demonstrated significant contributions to EMS, improving patient care, education, leadership, or system development.
The achievements must be sustained over an extended period of time, not a single event.
The achievements had a long-term impact on EMS - significantly influencing operations, education, leadership or innovation.
The nominee must have demonstrated consistent excellence and commitment to EMS improvement over several years.
The nominee must be recognized by peers an a leader, mentor, and role model in EMS.
The achievements show a dedication and influence that far exceeds standard expectations of someone in a similar role.

Distinguished Service Medal

The Distinguished Service Medal recognizes an EMS professional who has demonstrated exceptional achievement or accomplishment in EMS over an extended period of time. This award is one of the highest honor conferred in the absence of extreme conditions or extraordinary circumstances.

Max awards per year: None, but rarely given.

Meritorious Service Medal

Nominee must be a licensed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, EMD, or other licensed EMS professional).
The nominee must have performed a noteworthy act of service or merit that significantly contributed to patient care, safety, or operational success.
The action may involve a singular event or a sustained contribution to EMS operations.
The nominee took action that significantly impacted patient care, public safety, or EMS operations.
The act performed must have exceeded normal job expectations and demonstrated outstanding dedication.
The nominee's actions occurring during an EMS emergency or critical event and were instrumental in resolving the situation.
The nominee's service reflects leadership, skill, and professionalism, serving as a model for others in the EMS community.

Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes an EMS professional for a meritorious acts or service within EMS that goes above and beyond the call of duty during and EMS emergency or event. This award honors exceptional actions that exceed standard expectations.

Max awards per year: 5 per year

Meritorious Service Medal

Detailed description of the event or service, including the date, location, and nature of the emergency.
Supporting actions taken by the nominee that demonstrate merit and outstanding service.
Statements from witnesses, colleagues, or supervisors to verify the exceptional act.
Supporting documentation, such as media coverage, EMS reports, or additional supporting documentation (if applicable).

EMS Commendation Medal

Nominee must be a licensed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, EMD, or other licensed EMS professional).
The nominee must have performed a noteworthy service or achievement that benefits EMS operations, patient care, training, or community outreach.
The action may involve a singular event or a sustained contribution to EMS operations.
The nominee's actions, leadership, or contributions have significantly benefited the EMS community.
The achievement must have exceeded normal job expectations and demonstrated outstanding dedication.
The nominee's service reflects leadership, skill, and professionalism, serving as a model for others in the EMS community.

EMS Commendation Medal

The EMS Commendation Medal recognizes an EMS professional for a noteworthy service in any EMS capacity or for an outstanding achievement or accomplishment sustained over an extended period of time. This award highlights exceptional dedication, leadership, and contributions to EMS.

Max awards per year: 10 per year

EMS Commendation Medal

Detailed description of the event or service, including the date, location, and nature of the emergency.
Supporting actions taken by the nominee that demonstrate merit and outstanding service.
Statements from witnesses, colleagues, or supervisors to verify the exceptional act.
Supporting documentation, such as media coverage, EMS reports, or additional supporting documentation (if applicable).

Community Service Medal

Nominee must be a licensed EMS provider (MFR, EMT, Paramedic, EMD, or other licensed EMS professional).
The achievement must have had a significant impact on community EMS initiatives, such as public education, outreach programs, injury prevention, emergency preparedness, recruitment efforts, or community partnerships.
The achievement may be a single, outstanding project or a sustained effort over time.
The nominee must have shown exceptional leadership in fostering EMS-community relationships, mentorship, or volunteer service.
The nominee's contributions have resulted in long-term benefits for the EMS system and the communities served.

Community Service Medal

The Community Service Medal recognizes an EMS professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to non-patient care aspects of a community's EMS system. Special emphasis is placed on EMS Public Information, Education, and Relations (PIER) efforts. This award honors individuals who go above and beyond to engage, educate, and improve EMS-community relations.

Max awards per year: 2 per year

Community Service Medal

Detailed description of the event or service, including the date, location, and nature of the emergency.
Supporting actions taken by the nominee that demonstrate merit and outstanding service.
Statements from witnesses, colleagues, or supervisors to verify the exceptional act.
Supporting documentation, such as media coverage, EMS reports, or additional supporting documentation (if applicable).

CIVILIAN MEDALS

EMS Recognition Service Medal

Open to Non-EMS personnel (i.e., police officers, non-EMS firefighters, lifeguards, private security, and other public safety officers).
The nominee must have provided exceptional support during an EMS event, emergency, or operation.
The nominee's direct actions or support significantly impacted an EMS response, patient outcome, or emergency operation.
The nominee's actions were beyond their normal job expectations, contributing to an EMS-related incident with extraordinary dedication.
The nominee's involvement directly contributed to saving a life or significantly improved EMS operations.
The nominee worked closely with EMS responders in a way that demonstrated teamwork, bravery, and quick thinking.

EMS Recognition Service Medal

The EMS Recognition Service Medal recognizes a Non-EMS professional (such as police officers, non-EMS firefighters, lifeguards, and other public or private safety officers) for outstanding heroism, extraordinary service, or exceptional support of a specific EMS emergency, event, or operation. This award honors individuals who played a critical role in an EMS response despite not being a licensed EMS professional.

Max awards per year: None, but rarely given

EMS Recognition Service Medal

Detailed description of the event or service, including the date, location, and nature of the emergency.
Specific actions taken by the nominee and their impact on the EMS response.
Statements from witnesses, colleagues, or supervisors to verify the exceptional act.
Supporting documentation, such as media coverage, EMS reports, or additional supporting documentation (if applicable).

Civilian Medal of Merit

Open to private citizens (non-professional first responders) who have made a critical impact in an emergency medical situation.
The nominee must have demonstrated quick action, bravery, and heroism in an EMS-related incident.
The nominee's action must have directly contributed to saving a life or significantly assisted EMS personnel that resulted in the saving of a life.
The incident involved extreme conditions, danger, or a high-pressure situation requiring immediate action.

Civilian Medal of Merit

The Civilian Medal of Merit recognizes a private citizen for exceptional advocacy of EMS or a heroic lifesaving act that required quick thinking, fast action, and courage. Recognition is based on patient outcome, extreme conditions, or extraordinary circumstances.

Max awards per year: None, but rarely given

Civilian Medal of Merit

Detailed description of the event or service, including the date, location, and nature of the emergency.
Specific actions taken by the nominee and their impact on the EMS response.
Statements from witnesses, colleagues, or supervisors to verify the exceptional act.
Supporting documentation, such as media coverage, EMS reports, or additional supporting documentation (if applicable).

ANNUAL AWARDS

Paramedic of the Year

Nominee must be a licensed paramedic actively working in Muskegon County during the nomination cycle.
The nominee's primary role must be direct patient care, not an administrative position.
The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.
The nominee must have consistently provided high-quality patient care and demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence.
The nominee has contributed significantly to quality assurance, system improvement, or innovation in EMS operations.
The nominee has played a viral role in emergency preparedness efforts, response coordination, or disaster training.
The nominee has made a significant impact on EMS training, public education, or community outreach programs.
The nominee has gone above and beyond their normal job responsibilities, making a lasting impact on the EMS community.

Paramedic of the Year

Honors a currently licensed mobile intensive care, mobile specialty care, or aeromedical paramedic who has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past year, positively impacting patient care, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, public education and/or training.

Max awards per year: 1

Paramedic of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee's contributions, including specific patient care excellence, leadership efforts, or community impact.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an EMS professional.
Statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.
Supporting documentation, including patient care examples, training initiatives, or quality improvement efforts.

EMT of the Year

Nominee must be a licensed EMT-B or EMT-S actively working in Muskegon County during the nomination cycle.
The nominee's primary role must be direct patient care, not an administrative position.
The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.
The nominee must have consistently provided high-quality patient care and demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence.
The nominee has contributed significantly to quality assurance, system improvement, or innovation in EMS operations.
The nominee has played a viral role in emergency preparedness efforts, response coordination, or disaster training.
The nominee has made a significant impact on EMS training, public education, or community outreach programs.
The nominee has gone above and beyond their normal job responsibilities, making a lasting impact on the EMS community.

EMT of the Year

Honors a currently licensed EMT-B or EMT-S who has provided an exceptional leadership role over the past year, positively impacting patient care, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, and/or training. This award recognizes an outstanding EMT who has made a significant difference in EMS operations and patient outcomes.

Max awards per year: 1

EMT of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee's contributions, including specific patient care excellence, leadership efforts, or community impact.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an EMS professional.
Statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.
Supporting documentation, including patient care examples, training initiatives, or quality improvement efforts.

MFR of the Year

Nominee must be a licensed Medical First Responder actively working in Muskegon County during the nomination cycle.
The nominee's primary role must be direct patient care, not an administrative position.
The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.
The nominee must have consistently provided high-quality patient care and demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence.
The nominee has contributed significantly to quality assurance, system improvement, or innovation in EMS operations.
The nominee has played a viral role in emergency preparedness efforts, response coordination, or disaster training.
The nominee has made a significant impact on EMS training, public education, or community outreach programs.
The nominee has gone above and beyond their normal job responsibilities, making a lasting impact on the EMS community.

MFR of the Year

Honors a currently licensed Medical First Responder (MFR) who has provided exceptional leadership that has positively impacted on-scene patient care, rescue efforts, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, and/or training.

Max awards per year: 1

MFR of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee's contributions, including specific patient care excellence, leadership efforts, or community impact.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an EMS professional.
Statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.
Supporting documentation, including patient care examples, training initiatives, or quality improvement efforts.

Dispatcher of the Year

Nominee must be a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or 9-1-1 telecommunicator.
The nominee must serve in a position that directly impacts the EMS response, patient care, or public safety.
The nominee must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or dedication to improving EMS services.
The nominee demonstrated exceptional call-handling skills, decision-making, and pre-arrival instructions that improved patient care.
The nominee's actions directly impacted patient survival or significantly improved emergency response efforts.
The nominee has played a role in educating the public on how to effectively use 9-1-1, CPR instructions, or disaster preparedness.

Dispatcher of the Year

Honors an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) who has demonstrated outstanding effort in processing an emergency medical call and/or positively impacted public education, disaster preparedness, or EMS operations through their work in emergency dispatch.

Max awards per year: 1

Dispatcher of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee's contributions, including specific patient care efforts, leadership efforts, or community impact.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an EMS professional.
Statements from colleagues, EMS leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.
Supporting documentation, including patient care examples, training initiatives, or quality improvement efforts.

Firefighter of the Year

Nominee must be an active firefighter in a career, volunteer, or industrial fire department.
The nominee must have demonstrated outstanding service, heroism, or innovation that significantly contributed to fire service operations and public safety.
The nominee has demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and effectiveness in fireground operations or rescue situations.
The nominee has exceeded standard job expectations, demonstrating selflessness, courage, and dedication.
The nominee has taken a leadership role in training new firefighters, improving safety practices, or mentoring team members.
The nominee has played a key role in major fire incidents, disaster relief, or large-scale emergency operations.

Firefighter of the Year

Honors a firefighter (not related to EMS response or providing direct medical care) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, bravery, dedication, and service in firefighting, rescue operations, community risk reduction, public education, and/or disaster response.

Max awards per year: 1

Firefighter of the Year

Detailed description of the nominee's contributions, including specific fairground leadership, rescues, or training efforts.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as a Firefighter.
Statements from colleagues, leadership, or community members supporting the nomination.
Supporting documentation, including incident reports, training records, or impact statements.

EMS Agency of the Year

The agency must be a licensed EMS provider (Dispatch, MFR, BLS, ALS)
The agency must have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and impact in EMS at the local, regional, or state level.
The agency must have taken concrete steps to improve patient care, clinician safety, and system-wide performance.
The agency has assumed a leadership role in EMS at the local or state level, actively contributing to system improvements.
The agency demonstrates superior patient outcomes, continuous quality improvement initiatives, and strong medical oversight.
The agency has successfully adopted cutting-edge medical treatments, technologies, or best practices to improve care.
The agency is actively involved in EMS education, professional development, and community outreach programs.
The agency has successfully integrated into regional emergency management plans and disaster response systems.

EMS Agency of the Year

Honors a prehospital EMS agency that has demonstrated exemplary achievement in patient care, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, training, and system integration. The agency maintains a positive community image and has taken meaningful steps to enhance patient and provider safety, implement quality improvement initiatives, and advance EMS practices.

Max awards per year: 1

EMS Agency of the Year

Detailed description of the agency's contributions, including leadership efforts, innovations, or impact on EMS operations.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an industry leader.
Statements from EMS personnel, medical directors, or community leaders supporting the nomination.
Supporting documentation, including performance metrics, patient care data, training initiatives, or community outreach programs.

INCIDENT SPECIFIC RECOGNITIONS

Phoenix Award

Open to any individual - EMS clinicians, dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, or civilians, who plays a direct and extraordinary role in saving or attempting to save a life.
Individual award only (separate nominations required to team members)
Favorable Outcome is not required if actions clearly increased the chance of survival
Off-duty actions may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Nominee must have been personally and decisively involved in the act
Actions must reflect honor, courage, integrity, and exceptional service to others.

Phoenix Award

The Phoenix Award honors individuals who demonstrate extraordinary action in the preservation of human life. This recognition is reserved for acts that go beyond what is expected, requiring courage, ingenuity, decisive leadership, or selflessness during a life-threatening emergency. Unlike routine resuscitation success awards, the Phoenix Award recognizes the character and exceptional effort of the individual, not just the outcome.

Max awards per year: Unlimited

Phoenix Award

Nominations must demonstrate extraordinary effort beyond the normal expectations of duty or circumstance. Qualifying actions may include, but are not limited to:

Decisive, innovative, or heroic interventions that significantly impacted survival beyond standard care
Risking personal safety to save another person from life-threatening danger
Exceptional leadership or composure during a complex or high-risk rescue
Acts of extraordinary persistence or resolve in the face of overwhelming odds

Examples may include:

Rescuing a trapped victim from fire, water, ice, entrapment, or other hazardous environments
Delivering creative or advanced life-saving care with limited resources when standard options were unavailable
Taking decisive action in a chaotic or rapidly deteriorating emergency that changed the trajectory of survival

Nominations must include:

Incident narrative
Contact information for verification
Supporting documentation when available (PCR, dispatch audio, police or fire reports, witness statements)

Stork Award

Open to all levels of EMS personnel, including First Responders, EMT's, Paramedics, and Dispatchers who provided pre-arrival childbirth instructions.
Nominee must have been directly involved in the successful pre-hospital delivery.
The delivery must have occurred outside of a hospital setting (e.g., home birth, roadside, EMS unit, or other emergency environment).
The EMS provider played a direct role in safely delivering a newborn and ensuring maternal and neonatal well-being.
The nominee demonstrated composure, clinical skill, and decision-making during an unpredictable emergency birth.
The EMS provider ensured proper newborn assessment (APGAR scoring, airway support, temperature regulation) and maternal stabilization.

Stork Award

Recognizes EMS personnel who successfully assist in the prehospital delivery of a baby, ensuring safe and effective newborn care. This award honors exceptional skill, composure, and dedication in managing childbirth outside of a hospital setting.

Max awards per year: Unlimited

Stork Award

Detailed description of the childbirth response, including call details, interventions, and outcomes for both mother and baby.
Specific actions taken by the nominee that set them apart as an industry leader.
Statements from EMS personnel, agency leadership, or hospital staff confirming the effectiveness of care.
Supporting documentation, including patient care reports, neonatal APGAR scores, and hospital admission reports.