A total of 65 Ontario paramedics received their Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal bars on Wednesday for providing exemplary emergency medical services for 30, 40 and 50 years.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones presented the First, Second or Third Bars to these "long-serving, deserving" paramedics.
Paramedics from York receiving the bars were:
- Cheryl Balsdon - First Bar
- Richard McTeer – First Bar
The late Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, created the medal in 1994 as part of the Canadian Honours System, the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs said in a news release.
"This recognition recognizes paramedics who have provided the highest standard of care and conduct," according to the release.
To qualify, at least 10 years of service must have been in the field, on duty, involving potential risk.
Each bar to the Exemplary Service Medal represents an additional award of the medal. Paramedics who have served for at least 30 years receive their First Bar, 40 years their Second Bar, and for 50 years, their Third Bar.
