Sparrow honors firefighter, Fire Department with EMS Awards

(From left) Capt. Ken Van Hall, receiving the agency award for the Delta Township Fire Department; presenter John Dery, D.O., Sparrow EMS Director; and individual award recipient Greg Smith, Firefighter/Paramedic with the Lansing Fire Department.

Published: May 20, 2013

Emergency Medical Services personnel from Delta Township and Lansing were honored today with Sparrow EMS Appreciation Awards for their consistent high-quality care to the community.

The awards, presented in a ceremony at Sparrow, are in recognition of National EMS Week. In the wake of the recent bombings in Boston, there is a heightened appreciation for the incredible work of EMS personnel and first responders.

The Delta Township Fire Department was singled out for an agency award while Firefighter/Paramedic Greg Smith of the Lansing Fire Department received individual honors. Both were cited for their dedication and providing the kind of care "that we would want for our loved ones."

"Typically, EMS workers are those who run into a situation to help while everyone else is running out," said John Dery, D.O., Sparrow's EMS Director.

"As the region's only Verified Level 1 Trauma Center, Sparrow regards National EMS Week as extremely important and wants to recognize the work these courageous caregivers perform day-in and day-out."

In presenting the award to Smith, Dery noted the firefighter's "phenomenal service."

"When you get into something like this you don't expect recognition," Smith said.

The Delta Township Fire Department was honored for its continued high-quality work.

"It's very humbling for our department to get this award," said Delta Township's Capt. Ken Van Hall.