Haliburton County Paramedic Service Honours Paramedics for Clinical Excellence, Courage, and Service

Haliburton County Paramedic Service Honours Paramedics for Clinical Excellence, Courage, and Service

HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON — Haliburton County Paramedic Service hosted its inaugural Paramedic Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 20^th, 2026 recognizing members of the service for exceptional clinical performance, courage under pressure, leadership, and ongoing contributions to the organization and community.

The ceremony brought together paramedics, municipal leaders, patients and survivors, their families, and community partners to formally acknowledge the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by frontline paramedics during critical incidents and throughout daily operations.

Awards presented included:

• Chief’s Commendation for Distinguished Clinical Performance — recognizing exceptional clinical judgment, leadership, and patient advocacy during high-acuity incidents including cardiac arrest, emergency childbirth, and more.
  
  
• Chief’s Commendation for Courage Under Pressure — recognizing remarkable bravery, composure, and professionalism during dangerous or exceptionally difficult circumstances.
  
  
• The Cornerstone Award — recognizing paramedics whose consistent professionalism, teamwork, and positive influence strengthen the organization over time.

Two survivors were able to attend the ceremony to reunite with and recognize the Paramedics who came to their aid in a critical moment.

“All I can say is thank you. You’ve saved my life and I wouldn’t be here without you” One survivor said to the Paramedics who provided lifesaving interventions to them just months ago.

“In the moments that matter most, Paramedics are trusted to bring calm to chaos, care to uncertainty, and dignity to some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Today, we recognize those who do so with exceptional skill and humanity” said Michael Slatter, Chief/Director of Haliburton County Paramedic Service, addressing the crowd of more than 50 paramedics and guests.

Chief's Commendation Awards

Distinguished Clinical Performance

Presented to paramedics who demonstrate exceptional clinical judgment, professionalism, leadership, and patient advocacy during high-acuity or complex incidents where their actions significantly influenced patient care or outcome.

Recipients:

Adam Payne
Carrie Coty
Chris Iles
Dawson Mueller
Evan Barber
James Pulfer
Jennifer Williams
Jocelyn Turner
Kaitlin Forth
Meghan Chouinard
Spencer Mitchell
Trish Sweeting-Hogg 

Courage Under Pressure

Recognizes paramedics who demonstrate exceptional bravery, resilience, and composure during dangerous or extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

Recipients:

Igor Bessalnov
Chris Barrow 

Service

The Cornerstone Award

Recognizes paramedics whose professionalism, teamwork, reliability and positive influence strengthen the culture and operational success of the oranization over time. 

Recipients:

Melissa Weaver
Scott Clarke
Krystin Hope 

For more information:
Chief Michael Slatter, Haliburton County Paramedic Service
mslatter@haliburtoncounty.ca
705-457-1616