County Fire Chief: Great Leaders in EMS Field Work Here in Barrow

This coming week, May 19-25, say thank you to a local emergency services employee. 

The Barrow County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, May 14, unanimously approved and signed a proclamation observing Emergency Medical Services Week. 

Commission Chairwoman Pat Graham read the proclamation:

“With the theme, EMS: One Mission One Team, the Board of Commissioners encourages the community to observe this week by remembering all that the men and women of Barrow County Emergency Services do for our community and the many families whose lives are affected by their life saving efforts." 

“Emergency medical services system consists of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, 911 communication officers, educators, administrators and others,” Barrow County Emergency Services Chief Dennis Merrifield said in a release. “Barrow County has a long history in EMS and has had some great leaders in the field working here in Barrow.”

During a presentation to the board, Merrifield spoke of Keith Wages who was once employed by Barrow County EMS and is now the director of Georgia Emergency Medical Services, a state agency that encourages, fosters and promotes continued development of an optimal system of emergency medical and trauma care. 

Merrifield also remembered the late John Steed.  

“John Edwin Steed was working on an ambulance for Barrow County EMS on September 2, 1983,” Merrifield said. “He was killed when the ambulance he was driving was hit by a tractor trailer.”

Steed is now honored and remembered every year at the annual Northeast Georgia Region 10 Emergency Medical Services Awards Banquet when the John E. Steed award is given to a paramedic in Region 10 who shows the great characteristics of Steed.

Two other Barrow County employees were also recognized during the presentation. Paramedic Brenda Adams and EMT Chris Jones responded to a local store in March to assist a person who had fallen. Commissioner Berry said the Barrow County resident they assisted was so impressed by the care and compassion of these two people that she wanted to make sure they were recognized. The resident and her husband were in attendance to thank both employees. 

Have you had an outstanding experience with an employee of Barrow County Emergency Services? Say thank you and tell us your story in the comments section.