Paramedic is American Legion EMS Provider of the Year

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930, mebrady@co.pg.md.us

Each year the American Legion awards public safety officials at the county, district and state levels for extraordinary service to their Departments and to their community. This year, a Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department paramedic was awarded at every level including the top spot in the State. At the 93rd Annual Convention of the American Legion - Department of Maryland, held in Ocean City, Maryland, Pamela J. Graham was awarded as the “2010 Career EMS Provider of the Year.”


The Prince George’s County Council of the American Legion, Department of Maryland, Inc., had selected Paramedic Graham as their American Legion, Prince George’s County and the Southern Maryland District Council “2010 Career EMS of the Year.” Graham’s nomination was submitted to Department of Maryland for consideration as a statewide recipient as well.

The award presentation was held in Ocean City, Maryland, on Thursday, July 14, 2011. Attending the award ceremony were Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor, Major Dennis Neal, Paramedic Battalion Chief Mary Crampton, Public Information Officer Mark Brady and Fire Chief’s Aide Bill Hawkins.

American Legions Public Safety Awards Chairman Bill Milligan, in making the presentation, stated, “Paramedic Graham was selected for her exceptional performance in 2010 when she was credited with 5 “saves” within a 3-month period. Pam is currently enrolled in higher learning college courses, as well as avid community involvement.” She is currently assigned to the Paramedic Unit at Clinton Fire/EMS Station #825.

Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor addressed the convention by saying, “I am extremely proud of Paramedic Graham and her distinction of the American Legion EMS Provider of the Year. She portrays the type of person that is the fabric of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.” Bashoor concluded by saying, “I want to thank the American Legion for recognizing deserving public safety personnel, your recognition is indeed an honor to receive. I also want to thank you for your service to our Country.”

The Fire/EMS Department also received notification that Fire Fighter/Medic Captain James Jiron was a runner-up as the state level “Career Fire Fighter of the Year.”

(L to R) Major Dennis, Paramedic Graham, Fire Chief Bashoor and Paramedic Battalion Chief Crampton outside of the Ocean City Convention Center where Graham was recognized as the American Legion-Department of Maryland
2010 Career EMS Provider of the Year. (BRADY)

(L to R) Fire Chief Marc Bashoor, Paramedic Pam Graham, American Legion-Department of MD Commander Mike Mooney and Chairman of National Homeland Security Mike Duggan at awards ceremony. (BRADY)