Four Kawartha Lakes paramedics recognized for excellence and 30 years of service

By Lindsay Advocate

Primary Care Paramedic Kevin Sheahan, Advanced Care Paramedic Charles Phillips, Advanced Care and Community Paramedic Chris Barrow, and Deputy Chief and Advanced Care Paramedic Stephen Lucas were honoured on Nov. 20 for 30 years of service.

On November 20, 2024, 73 Ontario paramedics received their Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal bars for providing exemplary emergency medical services for 30, 40 and 50 years. The Hon. Michael Tibollo, associate minister of mental health and addictions, presented the first, second, or third Bars to these long-serving, deserving paramedics.

The late Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, created the medal in 1994 as part of the Canadian honours system. This award recognizes paramedics who have provided the highest standard of care and conduct. 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.

This year, four Kawartha Lakes’ paramedics were recognized for 30 years of service and received their first Exemplary Service Medal bar. Congratulations are given to the following:

  • Deputy Chief and Advanced Care Paramedic Stephen Lucas
  • Advanced Care Paramedic Charles Phillips
  • Primary Care Paramedic Kevin Sheahan
  • Advanced Care and Community Paramedic Chris Barrow

Prior to the ceremony, Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Chief Sara Johnston shared the news with council at the Nov. 19, 2024 regular council Meeting. Chief Johnston congratulated Deputy Chief Stephen Lucas and paramedics Charles Phillips, Kevin Sheahan and Chris Barrow on their outstanding achievement and thanked them for their contributions to the profession, service and community for over three decades.

“With more than 11,000 paramedics practicing in the province of Ontario these four are part of an elite group to receive this honour and on behalf of our service, the City and the community, I want to thank them for their dedication over three decades of exemplary service,” said Chief Johnston.

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