May 21, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2013
For more information,
Contact: Amanda Shell
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 255-0661
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Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett present a proclamation declaring May 19-25 “EMS Week” in Knoxville and Knox County to representatives of Rural/Metro ambulance and fire divisions, Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) and Knoxville Rescue Squad.
Pictured from left to right are KFD’s Jordan Adcox and Ronnie Layne, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, KFD Deputy Chief Roger Byrd, Rural/Metro Fire Chief Jerry Harnish, KFD’s Frank Mallory, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, KFD’s Randy Whaley, Rural/Metro EMS Supervisor John Brinkley, Knoxville Rescue Squad’s Christopher Beckerdite, Rural/Metro EMS Supervisor Chris McLain and Volunteer Rescue Squad’s Aaron Myers.
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett presented a joint proclamation declaring May 19-25 “EMS Week” in Knoxville and Knox County at the City-County Building to honor EMTs, paramedics and first responders on May 21.
Rural/Metro EMTs, paramedics and firefighter first responders, Knoxville Fire Department first responders and Knoxville Rescue Squad representatives were at the ceremony to accept the proclamation from the mayor.
“National Emergency Services Week provides a perfect opportunity to recognize our emergency medical providers for the important work they do,” said Mayor Rogero. “Whether it is a career or a volunteer effort, emergency medical service providers spend thousands of hours each year preparing to be ready for any emergency.”
“It takes a special person to do this type of work – it’s almost a calling. These experienced and well-trained men and women are there when we need them, not for the glory of the job, but because they care about people,” said Mayor Burchett.
National EMS Week was established in 1974 by the American College of Emergency Physicians to show its appreciation for those who provide safe and efficient pre-hospital care in emergencies. The theme of this year’s event, “One Mission. One Team.,” explains the importance of the relationship between all emergency medical service providers, from physicians and nurses to EMTs, firefighters and paramedics.
“We are proud to serve Knoxville and Knox County and are grateful to both Mayor Rogero and Mayor Burchett for honoring the men and women on the frontlines of protecting this community,” said Rural/Metro Fire Chief Jerry Harnish, who represented Rural/Metro’s firefighter first responders at the ceremony.
To honor local emergency services professionals, local hospitals, including Covenant Health, Tennova Healthcare, the University of Tennessee Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, are hosting celebrations for emergency medical services personnel throughout the week.
About Rural/Metro
Rural/Metro of Tennessee is the largest emergency service provider in East Tennessee, with a combined work force of more than 800 firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, telecommunicators and other support personnel. Rural/Metro Ambulance Service is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) with contracts for 911 service in Knox, Blount, Loudon, Franklin and Polk counties.
