The Governor General's Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medals were presented to retired paramedic Gloria Bowes and Bruce County paramedic Judy Brookshaw.
They received their awards on June 1, 2023 at the Walkerton Administration Centre's Paramedic Services Committee Meeting.
The Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal honours professionals who provide pre-hospital emergency medical care to the general public. Recipients must have completed twenty years of exemplary service, at least ten of which must have been spent performing tasks with a high potential for risk.
Since May of 1999, Judy Brookshaw has worked as a paramedic for Bruce County. She is currently a community paramedic working in the Wiarton region, but intends to retire at the end of the year.
Gloria Bowes, who is currently retired, worked as a paramedic for Bruce County from March 2004 to February 2022. Gloria worked at Sioux Lookout, Ontario before she began her career in Bruce County at the Kincardine and Walkerton Stations.
“We are thankful to have Paramedics like Judy Brookshaw and Gloria Bowes serving our communities. It is a true honour for them to be recognized for their exemplary service and outstanding careers,” said Paramedic Services Chief Steve Schaus.
“Thank you Paramedics Judy Brookshaw and Gloria Bowes for your exemplary service to our region,” added Warden Chris Peabody. “Your Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medals are well deserved.”
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs annual awards banquet, where Judy Brookshaw and Gloria Bowes were scheduled to receive their medals in 2020. Judy and Gloria have now been awarded medals for exceptional service by Bruce County in recognition of Paramedic Services Week in 2023.