Congrats to Penny Kelly - Fairfax County Public School Press Release

"Penny Kelly Receives EMS Award

Penny Kelly, who teaches Fire and Emergency Medical Science (EMS) at Falls Church Academy, has been named the Outstanding Emergency Medical Services Pre-Hospital Educator of the Year by the Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. Falls Church Academy is one of six high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Kelly, who is the fire and EMS program’s first and only instructor, was praised by nominators for her dedication to the program and for enhancing the educational experience for her students. By networking with regional fire and rescue professionals, Kelly has facilitated flight medic helicopter visits to Falls Church Academy and field trips to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy and Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education Campus cadaver lab for students.

“Under her leadership, the enrollment has grown each year, and plans are under way to add an additional program,” says Diane Pruner, FCPS director of the Office of Career and Technical Education. Pruner adds that Kelly has continued to refine and enhance the curriculum in order to provide her students with the best instruction possible and is always looking for new experiences to keep her students engaged. She volunteers her time to accompany Falls Church Academy administrator Dave Tremaine on visits to area high school guidance departments to promote academy programs.Since 2004, 60 of Kelly’s students have received basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications; she works with students to find employment or select an institution for continued study at the postsecondary level.

“Penny is an influential communicator who possesses the gift of being able to make complex subjects understandable,” says Capt. David Tobin of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Kelly is a licensed EMT and EMT instructor and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) trainer and is licensed to teach EMT and Fire Science in Virginia.

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Note: For more information, contact Penny Kelly at 703-207-4000 or penny.kelly@fcps.edu.
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Source: http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=1169

911 What's Your Emergency? Our People!

Like many mornings, we started our day with some time in the Central 911 Call Center.


Yesterday, in the afternoon, there was the opportunity to get to know the EMS, Search and Rescue, and Fire folks in their HOT quarters.

The fire chief explained when he hires new people, he looks for people with "heart". People who have a passion for doing this type of work. "Heart" is so apparent with everyone we have come
across here, volunteer or professional employee. And both work very well together.

As was mentioned in summary at one of my training sessions, a participant said, at the end of the day, it is about the people. That could not be more true!

It was great to spend time with the Central 911 team and get to know them.

The next time you are with your volunteers, please think about this... do you know ANYTHING about their families or their interests??? Or is that not important for YOU to get your job done? It is important for you to be honest with yourself.

And never forget to

Remember the PEOPLE!