Photo | Michael Browning
State Senator Art Kirkendoll (D-Logan) talks with Senator Walt Helmick (D-Pocahontas) during an emergency services meeting in Logan yesterday afternoon, as Trinity Healthcare CEO Bob Mays (seated, center) listens. Helmick was honored by the West Virginia EMS Coalition with a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding legislative service in support of West Virginia’s emergency medical services agencies and workers.
The West Virginia EMS Coalition today presented Sen. Walt Helmick (D-Pocahontas) with a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding legislative service in support of West Virginia’s emergency medical services agencies and workers.
“The EMS community is deeply appreciative of the support provided to us by Sen. Helmick throughout his legislative career,” Chris Hall, executive director of the coalition, said. “When he was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, his backing was key to the passage of several bills, including those establishing the EMS pension system and a state-financed insurance policy that benefits the families of emergency medical technicians and paramedics who die in the line of duty.”
Helmick, who is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for state agriculture commissioner, received the honor today when he met with Logan Emergency Ambulance Service Authority personnel at the county’s 911 Center.
“EMS is an underappreciated part of our first responder system,” Helmick said. “Ambulance squads are just as essential to public health and safety as police and fire departments. And I am honored that the West Virginia EMS Coalition has chosen to recognize my efforts to support the men and women that provide life-saving care on a daily basis.”
Helmick spoke to the gathered emergency services group at the Logan Emergency Ambulance Service Authority.
The meeting was led by Logan County Emergency Services Director Roger Bryant, who praised Helmick for his tireless work for emergency services throughout West Virginia.
“Most of the beneficial advances we’ve made in emergency response, Walt Helmick has been at the front, helping walk the legislation through the Senate,” Bryant said. “We definitely appreciate his efforts over the years. He’s been a goto guy who has spoke loud and clear for us.”
State Senator Art Kirkendoll, who led the meeting, also praised his colleague for his work to help emergency services.
To contact Staff Writer Michael Browning, call 304-752-6950, extension 309, or email him at mbrowning@loganbanner.com.
Post a Comment
