American Ambulance Association 2008 Star of Life Award - Harold McNew

Harold was nominated for this honor for his service excellence and organizational citizenship. He received his award in a formal ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 6, 2008 at the Washington Court Hotel near Capitol Hill. There were 108 total recipients from all over the United States to receive the American Ambulance Association’s 2008 Star of Life award.

Harold has had an EMS license since 1992 and has been with Regional EMS since 1996. He has worked as an EMT for most of that time, only recently becoming a paramedic in December of 2007. Harold is an FTO and serves on several company committees. He believes in life long learning and will be finishing his MBA this year. He currently serves on the Genesys EMS Education Committee and occasionally proctors for their program as well. Harold is also a practical exam evaluator for the MDCH.

While on Capitol Hill, Harold was able to discuss and seek support for several bills that were currently being looked at by both the House and Senate. One of the pending bills was to allow private agency EMS personnel to receive death benefits of around $300,000 for in the line of duty deaths. Currently, only the families of public safety personnel that are employed by municipal or government agencies will receive these benefits. Harold was able to speak with and garner support for two of the bills in question by Congressman Dale Kildee and Senator Debbie Stabinow both of Michigan.

Harold was met in Washington by several other winners from our joint ventures of Community EMS, HealthLink Medical Transportation, DMCare Express all of Michigan, and Genesis Healthcare System of Zanesville Ohio, and Scott and White EMS of Temple Texas. Our President/CEO Greg Beauchemin and Vice President of Parastar Jamey Baker also accompanied him.

Harold wishes to thank everyone involved in supporting his trip and supporting the American Ambulance Association’s Star of Life awards program.