LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – First responders crammed the Capitol garden Tuesday for Emergency Medical Providers Consciousness Day. Some bought particular awards recognizing their tireless and selfless work.
“EMS practitioners are there for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, often without the thanks and recognition their work so deserves,” mentioned Angela Madden, government director of the Michigan Affiliation of Ambulance Providers.
Madden took to the Capitol steps on Tuesday to highlight those that serve the neighborhood each day.
EMS staff honored with ‘stars of life’/WLNS
“It’s a unique opportunity to help people when they need the most,” mentioned paramedic Kevin Shurkey. “It’s nice that when someone turns for help, you’re the one they’re looking for.”
For Shurkey, working as a paramedic for Tri-Hospital EMS is his method of serving the neighborhood. That’s why he was shocked to listen to his identify referred to as because the 2025 EMS Practitioner of the Yr.
“I had no idea. They kept it from me pretty well,” mentioned Shurkey. “I feel like everybody could’ve gotten this award so this is very special.”
EMS staff honored with ‘stars of life’/WLNS
The president of the Michigan Affiliation of Emergency Medical Technicians spoke extremely of Shurkey, saying, “he never complains, never cuts corners, never seeks recognition. He just does the job and does it exceptionally well.”
Together with Shurkey, dozens of first responders acquired Stars of Life—an award given to these nominated by their friends for going above and past their duties.
On the Capitol steps, greater than 60 folks have been acknowledged for his or her excellent service, however contained in the Capitol, the ambulance professionals met with lawmakers, hoping to ignite some change.
EMS staff honored with ‘stars of life’/WLNS
“These are highly trained professionals, and they need to be compensated as such,” mentioned Madden.
Madden says the group met with lawmakers to handle a number of issues, which she says are particularly related given the looming state price range.
“Right now, our payment is pegged at a certain amount. We would like to see that increase,” mentioned Madden.
EMS staff honored with ‘stars of life’/WLNS
On prime of pay, Madden says the state division of corrections and its contractor have didn’t pay for life-saving providers carried out by EMS groups because the finish of 2024.
“We’re talking upwards of 6million dollars in outstanding payments due to EMS practitioners around the state,” mentioned Madden.
Madden hopes for productive conversations and a chance for these hard-working first responders to be acknowledged by their state officers face-to-face.
