Charlevoix County heroes: EMS staff recognized for life saving efforts

Annie Doyle, The Petoskey News-Review
·2 min read

CHARLEVOIX — Emergency responders from across Charlevoix County were honored on Wednesday, July 26 during a combined awards ceremony to acknowledge exceptional service and life saving actions.

Taking part in the ceremony at the Hayes Township Hall was the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority and Boyne City EMS.

The Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority is a collaboration with the City of Charlevoix, Charlevoix Township, Hayes Township, Marion Township and Norwood Township.

The Boyne City EMS department coverage area includes the City of Boyne City, as well as Bay, Boyne Valley, Chandler, Evangeline, Eveline, Hudson, Melrose and Wilson townships.

Award recipients stand in front of a new fuel efficient Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority ambulance (from left to right): Lyon Stephens, Erik Hosler, Mike Pionk, Tom Tuck, Brenda Willson (Boyne City), Wendi Noeske (Boyne City), Manual “Joe” Travers, Jason Coffey, Casey Riley, Tom Birgy, Craig Johnson and Jesse Silva.
Award recipients stand in front of a new fuel efficient Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority ambulance (from left to right): Lyon Stephens, Erik Hosler, Mike Pionk, Tom Tuck, Brenda Willson (Boyne City), Wendi Noeske (Boyne City), Manual “Joe” Travers, Jason Coffey, Casey Riley, Tom Birgy, Craig Johnson and Jesse Silva.

A total of 16 awards were presented on July 26. Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority members received 13 and three went to Boyne City members for actions that included CPR life saves, Lifesaving and Meritorious service awards.

Award recipients were Lyon Stephens, Erik Hosler, Mike Pionk, Tom Tuck, Manual “Joe” Travers, Jason Coffey, Casey Riley, Tom Birgy, Craig Johnson, Jesse Silva, Chris Johnson, Chris McGee, Jarica Peck, Jesse Williams, Brenda Willson and Wendi Noeske.

More: Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority releases annual report

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This year’s ceremony coincided with the two-year anniversary of the establishment of the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority and also recognized the working relationship between the two regional emergency service agencies.

“The mutual aid policies in place at both agencies has proven time and again to benefit the citizens of both service areas,” said Mike Cain, Boyne City’s city manager.

During the ceremony, Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority Board President Roy Griffitts thanked all those who serve the public for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

"We are very lucky to have such a wonderful staff in times of need," he said.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231)675-0099 or adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com. Follow her on Twitter, @adoylenews

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Lake Charlevoix and Boyne City EMS recognized for life saving efforts