Newton - Catawba County Emergency Medical Service recently named Steve Putman, EMT-Paramedic, as Employee of the Year for 2007. The award was presented as a surprise during monthly continuing education training by Brad Harris, 2006 Employee of the Year. Brad read comments about Steve, his work ethic and dedication to EMS, his patients and the community before announcing the winner. Steve was nominated by one of his subordinates, who said, “A patient will always receive the upmost care with Steve, and he will always take time to explain something to others.”

Steve has been employed with CCEMS since 1986, obtaining his paramedic certification in the early 90’s. He currently serves as a crew chief on B shift, leading five other personnel. He is a preceptor for students currently enrolled in paramedic training, thus passing along his passion and knowledge of EMS to future generations of providers. In the past, he served as a field trainer, working with new and existing employees on skills and equipment. Steve is also a past member of Maiden Rescue Squad and former Law Enforcement Officer in Claremont.

Since 1998, Steve has led a committee of crew chiefs and supervisors in planning an annual Christmas banquet for area youth in DSS housing. These youth look forward yearly to the food, fellowship, fun, and gifts provided to them by CCEMS employees and their families. Steve takes the lead in organizing the banquet, soliciting employees to act as sponsors, coordinating food preparation, decorating, and entertainment.

Because of his tireless devotion to CCEMS and his community, Steve was an obvious choice for Employee of the Year. As his past actions reflect the mission of CCEMS, Steve is an excellent representation for EMS and Catawba County. Said Steve, “This is a great place to work. You just have to love what you do, and do what you enjoy.”

CATAWBA COUNTY EMS EMPLOYEE HONORED WITH AWARD

Newton - Brad Harris, Paramedic and Crew Chief with Catawba County EMS, was recognized with a “My Boss is A Patriot”  Award on Monday, April 14, 2008 by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  Brad was nominated for the award by his employee Mike Howard, CCEMS Paramedic and Guard member.  James T.  Rorie, awards chair for ESGR, presented the award certificate to Harris.  A certificate titled “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” was also presented to the entire Catawba County EMS organization.

ESGR is a volunteer organization of the Department of Defense, established in 1972, which promotes cooperation between Guard members and employers and provides neutral third party mediation to assist in solving problems concerning labor disputes.  The ESGR also provides an award system by which Guard members may recognize outstanding employers for their help, assistance, and understanding with time off for training, drills, deployment and other Guard related activities.

Harris was honored with a Patriot Award, the first of several award levels offered by ESGR.  The second level awards, “Above and Beyond”, are selected from recipients of the Patriot Award.  Guard members have the option to include a narrative describing why their employer deserves an award.  From those who choose to include a narrative, approximately ten percent are chosen for Above and Beyond Awards.  The Department of Defense then hosts a recognition banquet for the employers chosen for the second level awards, the nominating guard members, and their spouses.  Howard did include a narrative when nominating Harris, thus making him eligible for the “Above and Beyond” Award.  Remaining award levels are Pro Patria and Freedom Awards.

Harris has been an employee with CCEMS for 15 years and a Crew Chief for seven years.  In January 2007, Harris was named CCEMS employee of the year for 2006, also nominated by fellow employees.  In addition to being a Paramedic and Crew Chief, Harris is also a Field Trainer and EMS Driving Instructor.  Says Howard, “I wanted to reward Brad for his support, his sincerity, and his efforts to make drilling with the guard easy for me.”

Howard joined the Army National Guard in 1988 and served active duty in the Navy as well.  After a few years away from Military service, he re-enlisted in 1998.  As a Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic, he was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and deployed to Iraq as a combat medic in 2004.  Currently, Howard serves as a sergeant and assistant platoon sergeant with the 163rd Area Support Medical Company based in East Flat Rock, NC.

For more information about ESGR and their services, visit www.esgr.mil