McGorty and Perillo Recognize EMS Service at Capitol Ceremony
Recognizing the 51st anniversary of the creation of the nation’s modern Emergency Medical Services (EMS), National EMS Week was kicked off today around the country. Here in Connecticut, State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122), and Jason Perillo (R-113) took part in a ceremony at the State Capitol in Hartford to honor the dedicated EMS personnel across the state, and in their hometown of Shelton.
“It’s important to take the time to acknowledge the critical work done by our great EMS professionals wo are on call at all times to often go into dangerous conditions and save lives,” said Rep. McGorty, who has 37 years of experience in fire service including 25 in the Shelton Fire Department. “Everyone should take the time to support and encourage the great work of our local EMS providers.”
“National EMS Day is an opportunity to recognize the committed professionals and volunteers who collectively provide life-saving services to us around the clock,” said Rep. Perillo, the former Chief of Echo Hose Ambulance. “They provide a vital service, often at great risk to themselves, to act as the front line in emergency medical situations. I’m pleased and honored to be a part of recognizing these great and dedicated people today.”
At the ceremony held in the Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol, the State Department of Public Health honored a number of EMS personnel with awards.
National EMS Week was first authorized by President Gerald Ford in 1974 in order to recognize the essential contributions of the then-new profession, which has come to be a cornerstone of emergency medicine and public health, providing basic and advanced care to patients in the critical first moments of medical emergency.