Staff
Thunder Bay advanced care paramedic (ACP) Andrew Dillon, who was born and raised in Fort Frances, recently received an Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada.
The medal was presented to Dillon by Maj.-Gen. Richard Rohmer, Canada’s most decorated person, at a ceremony in Collingwood, Ont. on Sept. 29.
The Emergency Medical Services’ Exemplary Service Medal expresses national gratitude for long and commendable service, particularly in fields of endeavour involving potential risk.
Dillon has provided more than 20 years of excellent front-line patient care, starting as a primary care paramedic (PCP) before becoming an ACP in 2007.
He also has contributed to EMS through his union leadership activities, his role as a service instructor in teaching and developing training modules, and through his contributions to Superior North EMS strategic planning just this past year.
As well, Dillon has contributed to youth in the community through his coaching and refereeing activities.
The medal is part of Canada’s official awards system which tangibly reflects national gratitude for long and outstanding service.
The requirements for consideration include more than 20 years of service, with at least 10 of those requiring front-line service involving some personal risk.
The recipient also is required to show that they made a positive impact or contribution to their community.
“These paramedics have contributed to our communities through their efforts at excellent patient care, and by having added impact to the provision of quality patient care of their colleagues,” Norm Gale, chief of Superior North EMS, said in a press release.
“Their efforts have been formally recognized on a national level, and we are proud of their contribution to the public,” Gale added.
