Peninsulas EMS Council Adds Two New Board Members

The Peninsulas EMS Council, Inc. (PEMS) met last evening by Conference Call in compliance with the Governor’s social distancing guidance and voted to accept two new Board members, Captain Bradley Beam, NRP, of the Williamsburg Fire Department and President Shannon Kennedy, Ed.D., of Rappahannock Community College.

Captain Beam is a 26-year Fire/EMS veteran.  He began his career in Southwest Virginia where he worked for Martinsville Fire and EMS for nearly 13 years. While at the Martinsville Fire and EMS, he served as Firefighter/Paramedic and Deputy Fire Marshal.  Since 2012, he has been serving the Williamsburg Fire Department where he is currently a Captain overseeing the EMS Division.  From 2013 to 2015, Captain Beam also worked for the Peninsulas EMS Council as an EMS Field Coordinator – Clinical Care.

Captain Beam earned his Associates degree in EMS From Patrick Henry Community College, and is preparing to enter his last semester at Radford University where he is pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Services.  He is a National Registered Paramedic and a Virginia Certified EMS Education Coordinator.  Captain Beam is a member of the PEMS Policies, Procedures and Protocol Committee and also serves as the Chair of the PEMS Emergency Operations Committee.  Captain Beam will represent Peninsula Licensed EMS Agencies on the Board of Directors.

Dr. Shannon Kennedy serves as President of the Rappahannock Community College (RCC).  She has been with the College since last July. Prior to coming to work at RCC, Dr. Kennedy worked at Cleveland Community College, Gardner-Webb University, the Uptown Shelby Association, and Shelby Headline News, all located in North Carolina.

A native of Baltimore, MD, Dr. Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Millersville University, a Masters of Fine Arts in English Education from Gardner-Webb University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Adult and Community College Education from NC State University. Dr. Kennedy serves on the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.  In North Carolina, she was involved in the Children’s Homes of Cleveland County, Destination Cleveland County, Inc., the United Way, the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, and the Shelby Rotary Club.

In 2011, Dr. Kennedy was honored with the Athena Award, which recognizes women for leadership and community service.  She also received both the H. Eugene LeGrand Lifetime Achievement Award and the JT Scruggs Volunteer of the Year Award from the United Way.  She received the Distinguished Woman Award from the Cleveland County Commission for Women and, the Distinguished Rotarian Award.  Dr. Kennedy will represent Northern Neck Businesses on the Board of Directors.

The Peninsulas EMS Council is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, tax exempt organization, designated by state statute to be an integral part of Virginia’s comprehensive EMS System.  The Council integrates and coordinates resources to ensure a system of rapid response and expert patient care from the sixteen jurisdictions, 10 hospitals and more than 57 Emergency Medical Services agencies on the Peninsula, Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, in partnership with the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services and the State EMS Advisory Board.

Peninsulas EMS Council Remembers and Salutes Those Who Serve Especially Those Who Gave their Lives for Our Country

The Peninsulas EMS Council remembers and salutes those who serve.  We along with our nation are grateful for your many sacrifices for our freedom.  Happy Memorial Day!

OEMS Policy Changes for Background Checks

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An EMS Week Message from Bon Secours

Please see the letter below from the president of Bon Secours Hampton Roads

TO:                              EMS Colleagues

FROM:                        Amy Carrier, President, Bon Secours Hampton Roads

SUBJECT:                  Celebrating EMS Week

As we celebrate National EMS Week (May 17-23), I wanted to take a moment to thank and recognize you, the women and men of our EMS teams, who are the first responders dedicated to both rapid response and compassionate care, in the moments when it’s needed the most.

Throughout the years of our partnership, and especially in recent months, I have watched you work hand-in- hand with our hospital care teams, supporting one another in serving our community, going above and beyond the call of duty.

In serving our patients, I recognize that you have made many sacrifices. You are often the first reassuring face our patients see when they need it the most, during this pandemic and in many other circumstances. You are the front line of our Bon Secours mission; you are an extended part of our Bon Secours family. We all consider you among our “health care heroes” during the many COVID-19 challenges we’ve faced, and we thank you.

While we may not be able to celebrate shoulder to shoulder at this time, we are together celebrating in spirit. I hope you will enjoy the attached video compilation created in appreciation and in honor of your contributions to our Hampton Roads facilities. Know that your efforts are recognized and truly appreciated.

Thank you for your incredible courage, selflessness, dedication and commitment to our communities. I pray for continued good health for you and your families who have also been supporting you as you serve your communities during this pandemic.