Top Row Left- Right: Bridgett Gragg presents Tim Nelson with the award for the Most After Midnight Transfers. Katey Bullock (left) is presented the AHA Test Dummy Award by Bridgett Gragg who described her as "super stubborn" to the point when she needed help of running away from the ambulance instead of toward it. The Baby Chaser Award goes to Brooke Meyer who once chased down an amublance to deliver a baby by the side of the road. Meyer viewed the awards by cellphone, and Jeremy Williams displays the award for her. Bridgett Gragg presents the Billy Award given to Kenneth Pharis, described as a great guy but eccentric. The award is named after the Dennis Hopper character in Easy Rider. Alva EMS Assistant Director Bridgett Gragg (left) receives the Black Cloud Award from Jeremy Williams who said it's for "the hailstorm she has to deal with on a regular basis." Middle Row(L-R): Jeremy Williams shows the Crash Test Safety Award which goes to Brentney Lowewnstein, known for taking a new person to the city and actually crashing the truck. Having called for multiple radio checks only to find she was on the wrong channel, the Drop the Mike Award goes to Rebecca Davidson. Jeremy Williams displays the award. Jeremy Williams (left) receives the Emily City Express from Bridgett Gragg. Williams seems to handle more than his share of out of town transfers. Members of the Alva Emergency Medical Services and guests fill their plates during the First Annual Appreciation Dinner Friday, May 22. Alva EMS Director Julie Dennis (Wiederstein) (right) receives the Martha Stewart Award from Bridgett Gragg who said, "You keep us together." Bottom Row (L-R): Jeremy Williams presents the Steve Jobs Award to Kasady Dietz for always being on her phone. Bridgett Gragg said." But she can look it up, anything you need." EMT Kevin Thomason (left) receives the White Cloud Award from Bridgett Gragg who says, "The poor guy cannont buy a call to save his life."
Friday evening, May 22, the Alva Emergency Medical Services held their first appreciation dinner. It was scheduled during national EMS Week, May 17-23. Members of the EMS, family members and guests were invited to enjoy a meal together. The food was provided by an anonymous donor.
Following the meal, a video was shown with photos of shared experiences and pictures of each of the 11 members of the crew. Assistant Director Bridgett Gragg and Jeremy Williams were responsible for putting together the event. It was held in the EMS building at 209 Fifth St. Despite a lack of air conditioning, open doors allowed air circulation to keep it comfortable.
Williams said, "I wanted to do something to bring back some fine times, bring back some memories." He said he wanted to hold a fun event "just for us."
The awards program opened with recognition of citizens who step up when needed. "There are things about patient care, family care that we just can't do," said Williams. The award was made to "An Anonymous Citizen." He said they didn't want to single out an individual, but he asked each of the 11 crew members to each thank an individual deserving of the award.
Likewise, the outstanding leadership award was difficult to narrow down to one crew member. Williams said they "all stand out in their own way." Instead, that award was made out to All EMS Personnel.
The program then moved to the "fun" awards which seemed to focus on the unique and sometimes embarrassing characteristics and experiences of the EMTs:
Martha Stewart Award – Julie Dennis
Black Cloud Award – Bridgett Gragg
White Cloud Award – Kevin Thomason
Steve Jobs Award – Kasady Dietz
Emily City Express Award – Jeremy Williams
Baby Chaser Award – Brooke Meyer
After Midnight Transfers Award – Timothy Nelson
Crash Test Safety Award – Brentney Lowewenstein
AHA Test Dummy Award – Katey Bullock
Drop the Mike Award – Rebecca Davidson
Billy Award – Kenneth Pharis
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