The South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA) proudly recognized outstanding EMS professionals, educators, and leaders at the 2024 Debbie Hession Awards Ceremony, held on March 7, 2025, during the South Carolina EMS Symposium. This annual event celebrates individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and service in emergency medical services across the state.

“This ceremony is about honoring the best of EMS, those who dedicate their lives to saving others and strengthening our profession,” said Rodney McAbee, SCEMS President. “Each award recipient exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, setting an example for the future of EMS in South Carolina.”

2024 SCEMSA Award Recipients

• ·       EMT of the Year: Meghan Jones, Central Berkeley Fire and EMS – Recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to patient care.
• ·       Advanced EMT of the Year: Lauren Beaty, Clarendon County Fire Rescue – Honored for her excellence in emergency response and dedication to serving both patients and the community.
• ·       Paramedic of the Year: Danny Hyatt, Lancaster County EMS – Celebrated for his expertise under pressure, extensive mentorship, and service as a Tactical Medic.
• ·       Jack Niles Educator of the Year: Jonathan Jones, Department of Public Health – A transformative leader in EMS education, credited with elevating EMS training programs statewide.
• ·       Robert D. Lesslie, MD Medical Control Physician of the Year: Dr. Spencer Robinson, Meducare Air – Recognized for his leadership in emergency medicine and dedication to prehospital care.
• ·       H. Dean Douglas South Carolina EMS Advocate of the Year: Bergen Hal, First Priority Mobile Healthcare – A champion for EMS workforce development, policy engagement, and community outreach.
• ·       Dedication to Service Award: Sgt. Mary "Beth" Auer, Charleston County Sheriff's Office – Honored for advancing EMS-law enforcement collaboration and enhancing first responder training.
• ·       Emergency Nurse of the Year: Commander Christopher Davis, U.S. Public Health Service/Bureau of Prisons – Recognized for over 20 years of excellence in emergency medicine, flight care, and disaster response.
• ·       EMS Telecommunicator of the Year (Posthumous): Deborah Raulerson, First Priority Mobile Healthcare – Honored for her 32-year career as a dedicated, compassionate EMS dispatcher.
• ·       Albert Futrell Director of the Year: Kent Whitten, Prisma Health Ambulance Service – Recognized for his leadership in EMS innovation, including launching one of the largest Mobile Integrated Health programs in the state.
• ·       Curtis P. Artz Memorial Award: Robert Jennings and Tyler Allen, Colleton County Fire-Rescue – Recognized for their extraordinary bravery and critical lifesaving actions during a drowning rescue.
• ·       Small EMS System of the Year: Saluda County EMS – Honored for resilience in disaster response and community engagement.
• ·       Large EMS System of the Year: Greenville County EMS – Recognized for its leadership in crisis response, EMS education, and innovation.
• ·       Warren D. McBride Lifetime Achievement Award: Georgann “Gigi” LeGette, Charleston County EMS – Celebrated for over 27 years of service, mentorship, and contributions to advancing EMS in South Carolina.

2025 South Carolina State EMS Competition Winners Announced

As part of the SCEMSA Symposium, the South Carolina State EMS Competition showcases the skill, teamwork, and clinical decision-making of EMS professionals. Each year, EMS crews from across the state compete in regional preliminary rounds, with the top teams advancing to the state finals held at the symposium. The competition highlights real-world emergency scenarios, testing participants’ ability to provide expert medical care under pressure.

The 2025 State EMS Competition Winners are:

• ·       First Place: Central Berkeley Fire and EMS – Justin Miles-Miller and Charlotte McMann

The South Carolina EMS Association congratulates all award recipients and competition winners for their dedication, expertise and commitment to emergency medical services. Their contributions not only strengthen the EMS profession but also enhance the quality of care provided to communities across South Carolina.