Big Sky Times

Governor Greg Gianforte and Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton honored Montana Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel from Glendive, Big Sky, Rudyard, Ennis, Great Falls, and Hinsdale during an awards ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, May 22.

“From offering community support to responding to emergencies, our EMS providers across Montana work around the clock to deliver life-saving care to Montanans in need,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Today, and every day, we thank these professionals and their families for their sacrifice and commitment to care.”

Representatives from Hill County Ambulance, Gallatin Gateway Volunteer Fire Department, Madison Valley Ambulance Service Ennis, City of Great Falls/Cascade County Emergency Communication Center, Glendive Ambulance Service, and Hinsdale Ambulance Service attended the event. They were joined by Dr. Michael Kremkau from Missoula and chair of the Montana EMS Advisory Committee and Shari Graham, EMS Systems Manager for DPHHS.

The governor also proclaimed May 21-27 as Emergency Medical Services Week and Wednesday, May 22 as EMS for Children Day.

Dir. Brereton emphasized the importance of EMS workers: “Montana’s first responders are there for the communities they serve.” In 2023 alone, EMS services were requested more than 150,000 times with over 8,000 requests involving children experiencing illness or injury.

Nominated by their peers for exemplary service:

- **Volunteer EMS Provider of the Year Award**: Lowell Strissel from Hill County Ambulance was recognized for his dedication to patient care and community service. Bridget Kallenberger noted Strissel's willingness to help without seeking recognition.

- **Career EMS Provider of the Year Award**: Steve Emerson from Big Sky Ski Patrol received this award for his long-standing career in emergency medical services. Nominators highlighted his role in training new EMTs who have gone on to hold leadership positions.

- **EMS Service of the Year Award**: Madison Valley Ambulance Service was acknowledged for its comprehensive approach to improving patient care through education and collaboration with surrounding services.

- **911 Dispatcher of the Year Award**: Brandon Skogen from City of Great Falls/Cascade County Emergency Communication Center was commended for his exceptional performance as a dispatcher. Robert Shupe praised Skogen's efforts in enhancing dispatch center operations.

- **EMS Supporter of the Year Award**: Garnee Erickson from Glendive was honored for her longstanding support and educational contributions to local EMS services.

- **EMS for Children Supporter Award**: The Hinsdale Ambulance Service received recognition for its commitment to pediatric care readiness.

The ceremony underscored the critical role that these individuals play in ensuring public health safety across Montana.