Canton Fire Department Recognizes Emergency Medical Staff During EMS Week

CANTON — Chief Charles E. Doody is pleased to announce that the Canton Fire Department will honor its emergency medical personnel this week as part of national EMS week.

This year’s EMS Week began Sunday, May 17 and ends Saturday, May 23. The annual event celebrates the work of emergency medical practitioners who are on the front lines protecting residents in their communities when emergencies arise.

Emergency medical calls account for approximately 65% of all the calls that the Canton Fire Department responds to in a given year, further emphasizing the invaluable role its EMS providers play on a daily basis. This has become even more apparent during the COVID-19 global health pandemic. There have been more than 265 confirmed cases of the virus in Canton and many of these patients have been cared for or transported to the hospital by members of the Canton Fire Department.

“Each day they come to work, our EMS staff show great skill, dedication and bravery while they work to protect the members of the community they serve,” Chief Doody said. “I’m amazed at all they do, especially now during these unprecedented times, and am proud to honor them for national EMS week.”

The Canton Fire Department’s 53 firefighters/EMTs will be honored with an official proclamation recognizing their myriad contributions to the department and community at the Canton Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, May 26.

A special dedication was made by the American College of Emergency Physicians this year for EMS workers who have died due to COVID-19 related complications as well.

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