The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has announced the recipients of this year’s Texas EMS & Trauma Awards, honoring both individuals and organizations for their contributions to emergency medical services across the state. The awards were presented during the annual Emergency Medical Services Conference in Fort Worth.
This year, four individuals and six organizations received recognition for their efforts in supporting the trauma system and responding to emergencies throughout Texas. Marble Falls Fire Chief Michael Phillips, who died while responding to flooding on July 4, was posthumously inducted into the Texas EMS Hall of Honor.
During the ceremony, DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford addressed attendees: “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 that DSHS has been working to expand the EMS workforce. Over the past three years, more than 3,000 scholarships have been awarded for EMS education and training programs. This initiative has helped increase the number of certified EMS professionals by over 11,000 statewide.
The honorees include:
– Addison Fire Department (EMS Community Recognition Award)
– Temple College EMS (EMS Education Program/Educator of the Year)
– Ben Taub Emergency Center in Houston (Interfacility Collaboration Award)
– Kerrville Fire Department (Rural Healthcare Award)
– JPS Health Network in Fort Worth (Designated Facility of the Year)
– Steven Dralle from Arlington (EMS Leader of the Year)
– Daniel McDonnell from Hutto (EMS Professional of the Year)
– Bexar County ESD No. 2 in San Antonio (EMS Response of the Year)
– Sara Jensen from San Antonio and Jim Speier from Tyler (GETAC Journey of Excellence)
Chief Michael Phillips was recognized in a special Hall of Honor segment dedicated to those who lost their lives in service.
For further information about these awards or other DSHS initiatives related to emergency medical services, contact Chris Van Deusen at 512-776-7119.
