Thank You for Your Service: Police and EMS Appreciation Week

In addition to keeping our city safe, Wichita police officers participate in several charitable events such as the Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis, and bond with the community through visiting local schools, attending and participating in numerous public events, and much more.  

Several members of the Wichita Police Department have recently been recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. At a May 2016 Association of Chiefs of Police awards banquet in Dodge City, seven of Wichita’s police officers received awards.  

Officers Zachary Gehring, Aaron Moses, Dane Myers and Brek Train were given the Gold Award for the lifesaving effort they demonstrated by jumping into a frozen pond to rescue two people from a sinking car. Gold Awards were also given to Officers Michael Russell and Bryan Knowles, who were recognized for their excellent work in solving a series of crimes, as well as apprehending the felon who committed the crimes. Officer Kyle Perry was also recognized, receiving a Silver Award for his efforts in saving the life of a suicidal male.

These officers have done what is required of them and so much more, as have many more Wichita Police Officers. The Wichita Police Department’s Facebook page shares comments from citizens, time and time again praising our officers for exceeding expectations and sharing their uplifting encounters with local law enforcement. If you see any Officers this week (or any other time!) be sure to thank them for their service.

In the event of an emergency, the Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Service also dispatches first responders. The EMS Is made up of paramedics and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) who play a crucial role in the emergency medical care system, and often provide the critical link between life and death.

Paramedics and EMTs must be able to quickly adapt to and thrive in uncertain situations. In any line of emergency response work, critical thinking, an ability to thrive under pressure and a willingness to put others first are key, but our paramedics and EMTs do even more than that. In order to ensure that they are providing the very best quality care possible, Sedgwick County’s paramedics and EMTs participate in ongoing training with the latest medical information and state-of-the-art equipment.

EMTs provide a basic level of hospital healthcare, and can perform tasks such as taking vital signs, performing CPR, administering oxygen and more. Paramedics provide the highest level of out-of-hospital emergency care in the state. Paramedics can perform intravenous infusions, and tasks like  EKG monitoring, cardiac defibrillation, advanced trauma care, management of critical medical emergencies and more. If you know a paramedic or EMT, be sure to express your gratitude during EMS Appreciation Week!

What’s a day in the life of and EMS provider look like? Find out here.

To any and all Police Officers, paramedics and EMTs, thank you for your service!