Local Emergency Services providers honored

The Cook County Emergency Services Conference took place Friday and Saturday, April 27-28. One of the most meaningful parts of the Emergency Services Conference is the recognition of some of the hard-working individuals in emergency services.   
 
The conference ended with a banquet on Saturday, April 27 and at that dinner, several awards were presented.
 
The Dolly Johnson Friend of Emergency Services Award,
The Dolly Johnson Friend of Emergency Services Award goes to someone who is perhaps not directly involved with hands-on emergency service work, but someone who has lent great support to our community responders.
 
The Dolly Johnson Award went to John Groth, who has played a number of roles in emergency service, including his current job as a Cook County Law Enforcement Center dispatcher. But the nomination for the Friends of Emergency Services Award, asked that John be honored for his work for the Lutsen Fire Department. John worked tirelessly to find funding for equipment and emergency vehicles, building strong relationships with vendors and granting agencies.
 
John was not able to be at the Saturday night banquet, but the attendees there gave him a rousing round of applause and it was apparent the honor was very well-deserved.
 
Exemplary Leadership Award
This is a new award in 2019 and it recognizes exemplary leadership in Emergency Services, such as outstanding incident command or departmental leadership that contributes to the success of an organization.

This inaugural award went to a retired, but very busy couple, Joanne and Larry Krause, who were recognized for “doing just about everything,” according to Emergency Management Director Valerie Marasco.
 
Outstanding Emergency Service Provider
This award is used to recognize volunteer firefighters, First Responders, and members of Search and Rescue for providing outstanding, notable service in the past year or throughout their career.

Such was the case for this year’s honoree, Pat Scully, who has had a 37-year career in emergency services as an EMT and very active member of Cook County Search and Rescue.

The individual who nominated Pat wrote, “There is no single moment that makes Pat Scully an outstanding emergency provider. It’s 30-plus years of caring and reliable service to the community. It’s time to recognize Pat Scully as the outstanding emergency provider that he is.”
 
Professional Meritorious Service Award
The Meritorious Service Award is new this year and it recognizes career emergency professionals, such as Law Enforcement, hired paramedics, dispatchers, Border Patrol or Customs & Border Services or other paid emergency response-related position who have gone above and beyond in their call of duty to benefit public safety in Cook County.

Emergency Management Director Marasco called forward a team for this award—Cook County Sheriff Deputy Paul Spry and his K-9 partner, Eddy.

Paul was recognized for his willingness to become part of the K-9 program, which is a major commitment, for both Paul and his family. The nomination noted that commitment, as well as the great benefit to the community with having K-9 Eddy here in the county.

The theme for the 30th annual Emergency Services Conference was "Superior Response." 

Congratulations to all of the 2019 Emergency Services honorees and thank you for all you do for our community.