On Saturday, March 20, the 2020 Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award winners were announced during a virtual presentation of the Governor’s EMS Awards. These awards, given in Governor Ralph Northam’s name, recognize outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their demonstrated level of excellence and dedication to the EMS system. Richmond Ambulance Authority’s (RAA) Operational Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Ornato, was announced as the 2020 Governor’s EMS Award winner for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS. Dr. Ornato and three of RAA’s employees were automatically nominated for the Governor’s EMS Awards after winning Old Dominion EMS Alliance Regional EMS Council Awards last fall.

“This past year has been particularly challenging, and presented unknown circumstances that have required the adaptation, strength and resilience of Virginia’s EMS providers,” said Gary Brown, director, Virginia Office of EMS. “This year’s award nominees represent the courage and dedication that has been required to respond to the pandemic. I am  honored to commend their heroic commitment to saving lives and thank them for their outstanding contributions to Virginia’s EMS System.”

“Congratulations to all the award winners and my sincere thanks to all the EMS providers in the Commonwealth,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A. “Your efforts, whether on a routine call for chest pain or in response to a multi-vehicle crash requiring heroic lifesaving measures, are appreciated by families everywhere. During this pandemic, many of you have stepped in to help administer vaccines, further evidence of your dedication to your communities. You are truly Virginia’s heroes.”

The 2020 Governor’s EMS Award winners are:

  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – Allen Yee, M.D., Chesterfield County Fire and EMS
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS (The Kent J. Weber Trophy) –
    Theresa Kingsley-Varble, Washington County Fire-Rescue and VSP-MedFlight II
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) – Joseph Ornato, M.D., Richmond Ambulance Authority
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Daniel Freeman, R.N., Carilion Clinic
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Educator – Daryl Clements, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Provider – Samuel Neglia, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – Jonathan Smith, Putting a Dent in Mental Health
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Chesapeake Fire Department
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication – John Korman, Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response (The James A. Nogle, Jr. Trophy) – Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department
  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Innovation Excellence in EMS – Peninsula COVID-19 Operations Center

An additional award is presented at the ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the Virginia Office of EMS in conjunction with the State EMS Advisory Board. This year, two extraordinary high school seniors were selected:

  • The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship) –  Emma Skeen, Cleveland Life Saving Crew and William Andrews, Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad