This year, San Benito County EMS would like to honor those individuals who were nominated by their peers for "Outstanding EMS Service." We fully acknowledge that all of our EMS partners are true heroes in that they give unselfishly of themselves for the benefit of others. However, a few of our First Responders have demonstrated exceptional public service and we take great pleasure in recognizing their efforts.

On May 13, 2008 at 9am in the San Benito County Board of Supervisor's chambers, the following local Paramedics and EMTs will be honored by receiving a Certificate of Appreciation issued by the Board of Supervisors:

• Robert Aranda, Paramedic (AMR): Recognized for paramedic professionalism in a very stressful situation by saving a man’s life from cardiac arrest due to blunt force trauma suffered in a forklift accident.

• Samantha Tennison, Paramedic (AMR): Recognized for paramedic professionalism, an excellent ability to handle stress under unusual circumstances and a commitment to public service.

• Jimmy Holguin, EMT-1 (AMR): Recognized for EMT professionalism in a very stressful situation by saving a man’s life from cardiac arrest due to blunt force trauma suffered in a forklift accident.

• Kris Mangano, EMT-1 (AMR): Recognized for her dedication to her job as manager for San Benito County American Medical Response.  Her countless hours, multi-tasking duties, managing AMR staff and working with upper management. She is known as the glue that holds San Benito County AMR together.

• Vince Grewohl, Firefighter EMT-1 (Hollister Fire Department): Recognized by his peers for his competence and commitment in providing EMS services in difficult situations, including his assistance in stabilizing a combative patient with an unstable airway so they could be flown to a nearby trauma center.