Rise & Respond Awards celebrate EMS workers in Glasgow
GLASGOW, Ky. — Emergency medical service workers in Barren and Metcalfe counties were recognized Friday morning during the second annual Rise & Respond Awards, held as part of EMS Week at the T.J. Health Pavilion Community Center in Glasgow.
The event honors local EMS professionals for the work they do during emergencies, often without public recognition.
Samantha Wilson, a mortgage advisor with Atlantic Bay Mortgage, said the idea for the event came after seeing a need to better recognize local EMS workers and their dedication to the community.
“We have a wonderful Barren-Metcalfe EMS,” Wilson told WNKY. “It sort of opened my eyes to thinking about the people running toward the emergencies.”
Wilson said her perspective changed after her niece became an EMT, helping her better understand the role emergency responders play during moments of crisis.
“A lot of times when I would hear sirens, I would think to say a prayer for the people,” Wilson said. “But we just weren’t thinking about the people driving into the crisis.”
Wilson and Brooke Weir of Hometown Settlement Services helped launch the Rise & Respond Awards last year after realizing local EMS professionals had never had a dedicated award ceremony.
“We hope it gets better and better every year,” Wilson said. “I can’t think of better people to honor.”
The event, timed to coincide with EMS Week, recognized several emergency responders for their service to the community.
Among those honored was Robert Gibson, assistant director and chief logistics and support officer for Barren-Metcalfe EMS. Gibson received both the Hometown Everyday Hero Award and the Stork Award for helping deliver a baby.
“We don’t do this for the recognition, absolutely not,” Gibson said. “But it is nice to be recognized… and just say thank you. It really means a lot to me.”
Gibson, who has worked in EMS for 25 years, said continuing to see younger people become interested in the profession helps keep him motivated.
“I was really encouraged by the amount of young people that are interested in this and doing what we do,” Gibson said.
Weir said the goal of the event is to ensure local EMS workers know they have the community’s support.
“Just that they know that we are behind them, just like they are always behind us,” Weir said.
Organizers said they hope the annual event continues to grow as a way to celebrate EMS professionals not only during EMS Week, but throughout the year.
