The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has announced the recipients of this year’s Texas EMS & Trauma Awards. The awards were presented during the state Emergency Medical Services Conference in Fort Worth and recognized four individuals and six organizations for their contributions to emergency medical services and trauma care across Texas.
During the ceremony, DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford addressed the audience, acknowledging the dedication of EMS professionals. “Every day, you bring skill, courage, and compassion to your work,” said Shuford. “You are there in the most critical moments, when seconds matter and lives depend on your calm presence and quick action. That passion for helping others is what defines Texas.”
Shuford also noted efforts to grow the EMS workforce in recent years. Over the past three years, DSHS has provided more than 3,000 scholarships for EMS education and training programs. These initiatives have contributed to an increase of over 11,000 certified EMS professionals statewide.
The awards included recognition for a range of achievements within emergency medical services:
– Addison Fire Department received the EMS Community Recognition Award.
– Temple College EMS was named Education Program/Educator of the Year.
– Ben Taub Emergency Center earned the Interfacility Collaboration Award.
– Kerrville Fire Department received the Rural Healthcare Award.
– JPS Health Network was designated Facility of the Year.
– Steven Dralle from Arlington was honored as EMS Leader of the Year.
– Daniel McDonnell from Hutto was named EMS Professional of the Year.
– Bexar County ESD No. 2 in San Antonio received EMS Response of the Year.
– Sara Jensen from San Antonio and Jim Speier from Tyler both received GETAC Journey of Excellence honors.
Additionally, Marble Falls Fire Chief Michael Phillips was inducted into the Texas EMS Hall of Honor after losing his life while responding to floods in Hill Country on July 4.
For further information about these recognitions or other inquiries related to emergency medical services in Texas, contact Chris Van Deusen, Director of Media Relations at DSHS.
