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Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association

Awards

Each year, the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) accepts nominations for its annual awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to high-quality patient care and positively impacted patient outcomes during the prehospital, emergency department, or transportation phases of emergency care, as well as in the Mobile Integrated Healthcare sector. Awards are presented at MEMSA’s annual membership meeting, which takes place during the Missouri EMS Conference & Expo.

Anyone can submit a nomination unless otherwise specified. Award nominations are open from May 1 – May 31 each year to be considered for that year’s awards presentation.

Please note that no EMS agency or individual can win in the same category more than once every three years. The MEMSA Board of Directors reserves the right to determine eligibility.

For a complete list of rules and general award categories, view the award rules page.

Three uniformed emergency service personnel stand together holding an award.

2026 Award Nominations

Award nominations opening soon!

Award nominations are now closed.

Submit Your Nominations Now!

Award Categories and Past Winners

First Responder (Individual or Service)

Presented to a First Responder (individual or service) who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the local and/or state level.

  • John Freeman – 2023 – SCCAD
  • Brumley Fire Protection District – 2022
  • Jerry Thomas – 2019 – LaPlata Volunteer Fire Dept.
  • Allison Newell – 2018 – Clever Fire District
  • Corey Swafford – 2015 – Winfield/Foley Fire Protection District, Lincoln County
  • Rick Pender – 2012 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Vernon Cash – 2011- Shelbina Fire Protection District
  • Scott Jones – 2007 – Atchison County First Responders Organization
  • Brad Michelle – 2002 – Vernon County Ambulance District
  • Dennis Byrd – 2000 – Mallinckrodt Chemical
  • Karen Harper – 1998 – Mallinckrodt Chemical
  • Richard Grange – 1996
  • Bruce Bergmann – 1995
  • Danny L. Wall – 1993
  • Mike Burns – 1992 – Mallinckrodt Specialty Chemicals Company

Kenneth E. Cole Memorial Award (Emergency Medical Technician)

Presented to an EMT-B who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the local and or state level.

  • Rylee Middleton – 2025
  • Heather Meyers – 2024
  • Casey Wilhelm – 2023 – Cox Health EMS
  • Ryan Watkins – 2022 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Nicholas Mettes – 2021 – Christian Hospital EMS
  • John Fox – 2019 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Freya Whalen – 2018 – CoxHealth
  • Tracy Franklin – 2017 – CoxHealth
  • Andrew Hicks – 2015 – Lincoln County Ambulance District
  • Jaclyn Engeman – 2012 – Hermann Area Ambulance District
  • Patrick Broughton – 2011- Salt River Ambulance District
  • William “Bill” Meeker – 2007- Grundy County EMS
  • Janet Brown – 2005 – MAST
  • Bernie Cacho – 2002 – MAST
  • Joe “Papa Bear” Williams – 2000- Valle Ambulance District
  • Captain Richard C. Adams – 1997 – Eureka Fire Protection District
  • Steve Bell – 1999 – Emergency Providers, Inc.
  • Kim Johnson – 1998 – St. John’s Cedar County EMS
  • Donald Struckhoff – 1996
  • Adam Bruner – 1995
  • Carol Pikey – 1994
  • Joseph Schmiederer – 1993
  • Judy Struckhoff – 1992 – St. Charles Ambulance District
  • William Meeker – 1989 – Laredo Community Ambulance Service
  • Carolyn J. Hester – 1988 – Community Ambulance District
  • Kenneth Cole – 1988 – Special Recognition as EMT of the Year Award was named for him
  • Marilyn Miederhoff – 1983 – No. Jefferson
  •  

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Presented to an AEMT who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the local and/or state level.

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic

Presented to an EMT-Paramedic who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the local and/or state level.

  • Andy Gross – 2025
  • Cody Liccardi – 2024
  • Kate Freshman – 2023 – Florissant Valley Fire Protection District
  • Greg Maddock – 2022 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Rebecca Murphy – 2021 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Andrew Vaughn – 2019 – Chillicothe Emergency Services
  • Chris Loderhose – 2018 – CoxHealth (posthumously)
  • Lisa Cassidy – 2017 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Kelly Maull – 2016 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Matthew Whitener – 2015 – Lincoln County Ambulance District
  • Greg Light – 2014
  • Rees Remington – 2013 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Donna Cravens – 2012 – Chariton County Ambulance District
  • Jeremey Hollrah – 2011 – St Charles Ambulance District
  • Roger Mauzy, Sr – 2010
  • Tom Yates – 2009 – Air-Evac Lifeteam
  • John E. Romeo – 2008 – St. Charles Ambulance District
  • Heidi Nabzdyk – 2003 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Jeff Summers & Kelly Cope – 2002 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Richard Humble – 2000 – Emergency Providers, Inc.
  • Rick Lane – 1999 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Chuck Leake – 1998 – University Hospitals
  • Kenneth W. Boyer – 1996
  • Lee Varner – 1995
  • Pat Connaughton – 1994
  • Deborah Lynn Petty – 1993
  • Eileen M Faries – 1992 – Mallinckrodt Specialty Chemicals
  • Rodger D. Luetjen – 1991 –
  • Mindy McCoy – 1990 – Ballwin Fire Protection District
  • Dr. Michael D. Moore – 1989 – Citizens Memorial Hospital EMS
  • Diana May Hodges – 1988 – No. Jefferson County Ambulance District
  • Patricia A. Ahring – 1983 – Blue Springs EMS

Community Paramedic of the Year

Recognizes a paramedic who demonstrates excellence in the performance of community paramedicine, with their primary role being that of a community paramedic.

Nurse

Presented to an LPN or RN who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the Local and/or state level.

  • Heather Pratt – 2024
  • Janet Taylor – 2023 – Golden Valley EMS
  • Helen Sandkuhl – 2022 – SSM Health St. Louis Regional EMS
  • Aaron Straube – 2015 – ARCH (Air Methods)
  • Shirley Arnold – 2013 – from LifeFlight Eagle
  • Karen Langendorf – 2011 – Covidien EMS
  • Tom Stumbaugh – 2009 – Air-Evac Lifeteam
  • Gail Brown, RN – 2007 of Golden Valley Memorial Hospital
  • Toni Kanne – 2002 – St. John’s Mercy Medical Center
  • Marianne Fournie – 2000 – St. Mary’s Health Center
  • Robyn Cado – 1999 – LifeFlight Eagle
  • John Bonnard – 1998 – St. John’s Regional Health Center
  • Sharon Steidel – 1996
  • Joan Eberhardt – 1995
  • Joan S. Eberhardt – 1993
  • Dorothy Herzog – 1992 – St. Joseph’s Hospital West
  • Suzie Dockins – 1989 – Poplar Bluff

Dispatcher / Communication Specialist

Presented to a Dispatcher or Communication Specialist who has performed above the ordinary to support emergency personnel and the citizens being served.

Frank Mitchell Memorial Award - Physician

Presented to an MD or DO who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the local and/or state level.

  • Dr. Bridgette Svancarek – 2025
  • Dr. Matthew Brandt – 2023 – Cox Health
  • Dr. Lindy Andrews – 2022 – Worth County / Missouri SAC
  • Dr. Sabina Braithwaite – 2021 – Missouri State Medical Director
  • Dr. Matthew Brandt – 2019 – CoxHealth EMS
  • Dr. Charles Ludy – 2018 – Cole County EMS
  • Dr. Scott Gilmore – 2017 – St. Louis Fire Department
  • Dr. Justin Rapoff – 2016 – SSM Health
  • Dr. Leo Hsu – 2015 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Dr. David Gustafson – 2013
  • Dr. Karl Harmston – 2012 – Hannibal Regional Hospital
  • Dr. David Tan – 2011 – Washington University School of Medicine
  • Dr. J. A. Keuhn – 2009 – Wright Memorial Hospital, Trenton
  • John William Jermyn – 2008 – posthumous – award accepted by Jane Drummond
  • Dr. Alex Garza – 2006 – KCMO EMS
  • Dr. Dea Denise Campbell – 2002 – Hedrick Medical Center
  • Dr. Matt Gratton – 2000 – Kansas City EMS System
  • Dr. Gregg Minion – 1999 – LifeFlight Eagle Air Ambulance Service
  • Dr. Frank Mitchell – 1999 – Special Recognition as Physician of the Year was named for him
  • Dr. Janet Jordan – 2007 – St. John’s Health System
  • Dr. Aziz Doumit – 1998 – Doctor’s Hospital, Wentzville
  • Dr. David Dabell – 1997 – Eureka Fire Protection District
  • Dr. Robert Mecker – 1996
  • Dr. William Svancarek – 1995
  • Dr. Randall Howell – 1994
  • Dr. Larry Dickerson – 1993
  • Dr. Dennis Keesal – 1992 – St. Joseph’s Hospital

Jack Lyon Memorial Award - Instructor / Coordinator

Presented to an outstanding instructor of an ongoing EMT-B, EMT-P or continuing education program that is accredited by the Missouri Bureau of EMS (BEMS).

  • Kelly Johnson – 2025
  • Chris Strobach – 2024
  • Mike Hall – 2023 – SCCAD
  • Bryant Gladney – 2022 – Boone County Fire Protection District (posthumously)
  • Tom Fitts – 2021 – East Central College
  • Darrell Crooks – 2019 – Adair County Ambulance District
  • Michael Gooch – 2018 – CoxHealth
  • Lora Copeland – 2017 – East Central College (retired)
  • Shirley Gastler – 2015 – SSM Health EMS Liaison/Instructor
  • Kelly Johnson – 2014
  • Sheila Kauffman – 2013 – LifeFlight Eagle
  • Kim McKenna – 2011 – St. Charles County Ambulance District
  • Marilyn K Miederhoff – 2008 – Covidien/Mallinckrodt
  • Linda Freymuth – 2007 – Lincoln County Ambulance District
  • Judy Landvatter – 2002 – St. Louis Children’s Hospital & Eureka Fire Protection District
  • Mike Irwin – 2000 – Emergency Providers, Inc.
  • Mark Terry – 1999 – Emergency Providers, Inc.
  • Mary Frakes – 1998 – Allied Health/St. Louis Community College
  • Eileen Faries – 1996
  • Norma Loos – 1995
  • Craig Armstrong – 1994
  • Julie S. Long – 1993
  • Robin Marie Wallen – 1992 – Citizens Memorial Hospital – Stockton
  • David McFarland – 1991 –
  • James L. Weaver – 1990 –
  • Nancy Dalton – 1989 – Penn Valley Community College
  • Ken Frederickson – 1988 – St. Louis Community College
  • David R. Lynch – 1983 – Independence Medical Center

Administrator

Presented to Administrator who has most significantly contributed to EMS at the local and/or state level.

  • Eric Reeter – 2024
  • Ryan Verch – 2022 – CoxHealth EMS
  • Jeff Hawkins – 2021 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Amanda Tudor – 2019 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Bryan Lambeth – 2018 – St. James Ambulance District
  • Darrell Wright – 2017 – Chillicothe Fire Department
  • Darryl Coontz – 2016 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Douglas Clark – 2013 – Hermann Area Ambulance District
  • Steven M. Kotrada – 2012 – St. Louis Fire Department EMS
  • Donna Hoffman – 2010
  • Matthew Cushman – 2009 – Raytown EMS
  • Bob Patterson – 2008 – Director – St. John’s of EMS
  • Douglas Hooten – 2007 – Executive Director of MAST
  • Scott Mullins – 2002 – Eureka Fire Protection District
  • Steven C. Harris – 2000 – Taney County Ambulance District
  • Bill Everett – 1999 – Ste. Genevieve County Ambulance District
  • Gary Ludwig – 1998 – St. Louis Fire Department
  • Ralph Carder – 1997 – Union Ambulance District
  • Joe Jerkins – 1996
  • John Whitlock – 1995
  • Sheryl Clavin – 1994
  • Michael G. Hall – 1993
  • Richard Miller – 1992 – EMT of No. Jefferson County Ambulance District

Emergency Medical Service

Presented to an Emergency Medical Service which best exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to the community and the people that it serves.

  • Lincoln County Ambulance District – 2025
  • Union EMS – 2024
  • Clayton Fire Department – 2023
  • CoxHealth EMS – 2022
  • CoxHealth EMS – 2021
  • TCAD Paramedics – 2019
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2018
  • North Jefferson County Ambulance District – 2017
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2016
  • Warren County Ambulance District – 2015
  • Taney County Ambulance District – 2014
  • Hermann Area Ambulance District – 2013
  • Cole Camp Ambulance District – 2012
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2011
  • Chariton County Ambulance District – 2010
  • St. Charles Ambulance District – 2009
  • Warsaw-Lincoln Ambulance District – 2008
  • MAST – 2006
  • St. Francois County Ambulance District – 2005
  • University City Fire Department – 2002
  • Clayton Fire Department – 2000
  • Valle Ambulance District – 1999
  • St. Louis Fire Department – 1998
  • Eureka Fire Protection District – 1997
  • Taney County Ambulance District – 1996
  • Warren County Ambulance District – 1995
  • Rock Township Ambulance District – 1994
  • St. Charles Ambulance District – 1993
  • St. Charles Ambulance District – 1992
  • St. Charles Ambulance District – 1990
  • St. Francois County Ambulance District – 1989
  • Macon County Ambulance District – 1988

Quality Improvement Project

The purpose of the award is to encourage the development of quality QI programs and stimulate quality research to evaluate how EMS is being conducted.

Projects should have:

  • A statement of the problem or the question considered
  • How the evaluation was conducted for the problem or question
  • The conclusions reached following the evaluation
  • The follow-up action taken because of the QI project.

The length of the report should be no more than five pages.

  • Stephanie Ashford – 2023 – SCCAD
  • Tom Nuernberger – 2010 – St John’s Mercy Hospital
  • Golden Valley Hospital EMS – 2007 – Clinton
  • Daniel J. Lindholm – 2002 Kansas City Health Department and EMS
  • Darryl Coontz – 1999 – Emergency Providers, Inc.

Community Service

The purpose of this award is to recognize those who make their communities a better place to live. 

Agencies, organizations or individuals who have developed and implemented injury prevention programs, EMS awareness and public education or other programs which best exemplify outstanding professionalism and service to the community and the people they serve. 

  • Mo-CORP (UMSL MIMH Addiction Science) – 2025
  • Taney County Ambulance District – 2024
  • John Knox Village EMS – 2023
  • Zach Krato – 2022 – Florissant Valley Fire Protection District
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2021
  • David Kroll – 2018
  • Northland Regional Ambulance District – 2017
  • Community Health Access Program at Christian Hospital- 2016
  • Kevin Altman – 2015 – Lincoln County Ambulance District
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2013
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2012
  • St. Charles County Ambulance District – 2011
  • St Francois County Ambulance District – 2010
  • Christine J. Allen – 2002 – Lake Ozark Fire Protection District
  • Sheila Allen Frost – 2000 – Eureka Fire Protection District
  • Mike Dawson – 2000 – Cox Health Systems and Cox Paramedics

Presidential Leadership

Presented to individuals deserving recognition for their service to and/or support of MEMSA and EMS in Missouri.

Anyone can nominate but the winner selected by MEMSA President

  • Savvik – 2025
  • Jason Fenton – 2023 – Zoll
  • Jason White – 2022
  • Dr. Lynthia Andrews Bowman
  • Mark Alexander – 2018
  • Margie Sammons – 2017
  • Patricia Casey – 2016 – SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • David Tetrault, Christian Hospital EMS – 2015
  • Les Jobe – 2014
  • Doug Randell, Jason White, Sean Hill – 2013
  • Larry Dahl, Sr. – 2008 – Alliance Medical
  • Richard “Jay” Thompson – 2000 – MO Bureau of EMS
  • Linda Ortmeyer – 1999
  • Nathan Williams – 1998
  • Dan Valle – 1996
  • Jim Lawrence – 1995
  • Frank Foster – 1994
  • Jason White – 1991
  • Sgt. Bill Adams – 1990 – Missouri State Highway Patrol
  • Larry Dahl, Sr. – 1988 – Alliance Medical

Certificates of Merit awarded

  • Dr. Frank Merenda – 1995
  • Captain G. P. Corbin – 1990 – Missouri State Highway Patrol

Other Recognition

Lifetime Achievement Award

Legislator of the Year

  • Representative Mark Bruns – 2007 -Jefferson City, MO

Appreciation For Valuable Assistance to the EMS community

  • Frank Foster – 2019
  • Larry Dahl – 2018
  • Jane Drummond of DHSS – 2007

Appreciation/Recognition

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