American Legion Honors Area EMS

American Legion Post #81 commander Jeff Chilson and Brian Fordyce, post adjutant, presented certificates to the emergency medical services volunteers and workers of Roosevelt Medical Center on March 16 at the Bainville Firehall. They were honored for their service to the community. Legion member Pete Olson created the certificates and post members voted to award the certificates in January. Members then opted to wait for restrictions imposed by the pandemic to ease so they could present the certificates in person.

The certificates were awarded in recognition of Culbertson, Froid and Bainville EMS teams for their outstanding public service and commitment to the community. Post members wanted to formally acknowledge the commitment and dedication of EMS teams, particularly in the face of the pandemic and the challenges faced by the EMS workers.

The American Legion has programs in place for recognizing a firefighter of the year and law enforcement officer of the year. The legion does not have a program presently in place for recognizing EMS workers. “As Veterans, many of us realize the need for those frontline workers who are the first on sight and the dedication necessary to prepare for any number of possibilities every time a call is answered. Here at home, as on the battlefield, those unsung heroes that respond in times of need and crisis have our gratitude and support,” said Fordyce. “We are proud to honor the EMS workers in the Culbertson, Froid and Bainville communities for embodying that statement.”