Pictured: Front row (left to right): Jimmie Meurrens, Maryland State Police; James Best, Newburg VFD; Harry Knight, Newburg VFD; Dennis Welsh, CCDES; Kele Harris, patient; Ryan Norris, CCDES; and Elizabeth King, CCDES. Back row (left to right): Claude Boushey, Maryland State Police; George Hayden, Newburg VFD; Danny Butler, Newburg VFD; Jeff Hammett, Newburg VFD; Peter Wild, CCDES; and Michael Ivie, Newburg VFD. Not pictured: Jonathan Nishi, Maryland State Police.
The County Commissioners presented a Life Safety Award to representatives of the Charles County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES), Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department (VFD), and the Maryland State Police for their heroic efforts to aid of Ms. Kele Harris after a devastating automobile accident in 2013.
On Tuesday, May 19, Harris met her rescuers for the first time since her accident. As a result of her accident, Harris suffered 11 rib fractures, ruptured spleen, ruptured aorta, spinal fracture, and partial arm amputation, among other injuries. She was given a 12 percent chance of survival, but with a quick response and outstanding patient care of the rescue team, Harris survived.
Commissioners Present Bronze Medal of Valor to Lt. James Sires
Pictured above (left to right): John Filer, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner Debra. M Davis, Esq. (District 2); Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1); Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3); Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); James Sires; William Stephens, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; and William Smith, Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS.
The County Commissioners presented a Bronze Medal of Valor, on behalf of the Department of Emergency Services, to Lt. James Sires of the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit for his quick actions and bravery in the face of danger. While responding to a patient having a seizure, Sires realized the patient had a loaded hand gun in his possession. Sires quickly confiscated the weapon and rendered it safe, providing safety to personnel and bystanders on scene.
Commissioners Present Line of Duty Injury Citation
Pictured above (left to right): John Filer, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3); Tina Hagens, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; William Stephens, Department of Emergency Services; William Smith, Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS; and Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1).
The Charles County Commissioners presented a Line of Duty Injury Citation to Tina Hagens of the Department of Emergency Services. While responding to a call during a snow storm, Hagens transported the patient to the emergency room, despite having a broken leg herself.
Commissioner Present Life Safety Award for Field Delivery
Pictured above (left to right): John Filer, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M. Ed. (District 3); Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1); Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Tracey Kellner, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; Peter Marshall, Department of Emergency Services; William Stephens, Department of Emergency Services; and William Smith, Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS. Not pictured: Officer Ray Brooks, Charles County Sheriff's Office.
The Charles County Commissioners presented a Life Safety Award to Tracey Kellner and Peter Marshall of the Department of Emergency Services (DES), as well as Officer Ray Brooks of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for successful delivery of a baby girl. During this challenging delivery, the newborn was delivered with a nuchal cord. The mother and newborn were transported to the hospital without further complication.
Commissioners Present Life Safety Award to Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS
Pictured above (left to right): Dennis Welsh, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1); Chris Mattingly, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Will Lawman, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3); Robert Higgs, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Debi Giannini, Department of Emergency Services; Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Kenny Staley, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; Michelle Lawman, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Bob Bornschein, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Belinda Browning, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Charity Higgs, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; William Smith, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; Jimmy Jackson, Cobb Island VFD and EMS; and Bobby Higgs, Cobb Island VFD and EMS.
The Charles County Commissioners presented a Life Safety Award to the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The Cobb Island personnel responded to an unconscious patient with ineffective breathing at a Cobb Island restaurant. Personnel provided high quality continuous CPR, initiated advanced cardiac care, and defibrillated the patient on scene. During transport, paramedics regained spontaneous circulation in the patient. Within several hours of delivery to Southern Maryland Hospital Center, the patient was awake and speaking.