As the recipient of EMS Magazine/Braun Industries 13th Annual Paramedic of the Year award, it is a humbling experience that my fellow shift supervisor, Capt. Bill Bolton, thought enough of my efforts that he nominated me for this award.

Emergency medical service operations demand both professional dedication and personal sacrifice in order to effectively and efficiently serve our communities. It is indeed a high honor the selection committee chose my nomination from among the scores received.

I can attest without hesitation that the encouragement received by being selected as Paramedic of the Year motivates me to continue my journey of personal and professional sacrifices. Nothing worthwhile in life comes without tears and fears! There's always a price to be paid. Regrettably, too many fire service professionals make the supreme sacrifices.

In my 20-plus years as a member of the nation's fire and EMS community, I acknowledge all dedicated emergency service professionals who contribute their own special talents toward serving their communities. My academic and vocational expertise draws me toward ensuring the men and women of my department have the necessary management and leadership skills for passing their respective promotional examinations and serving competently when they get promoted. I really enjoy helping others prepare for their public safety careers. Public safety operations are not about one man or one woman it's all about teamwork!

In closing, the selection committee's broad expertise and leadership in the emergency medical services provides real encouragement and motivation for me to continue on my course of studies; their decision validates both my career choices and my educational goals. Consequently, I affirm my oath by continuing my ongoing commitment to both my community and public safety service.

Captain Bill Lowe
Clayton county Fire Department