The following is via TLS:

Before a crowd of about 350 people, Hatzolah EMS of Lakewood was honored as the Outstanding Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency at the New Jersey Department of Health’s annual EMS Awards Ceremonies on Monday evening at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick.

Donald Roberts, Chief of Licensing & Operations at the New Jersey Department of Health, presented the award to Hatzolah unit members Simcha Shain and Michael (Yumi) Greenberg.

“Hatzolah was cited for its professionalism, community service and for obtaining the newest technology available,” the State’s Department told TLS.

In addition, Simcha Shain – a Lakewood Hatzolah Paramedic – received the award for the Outstanding Paramedic of the year, during the same ceremony. The award was presented by Scott Kasper, Vice Chair of the New Jersey Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council.

“Shain was recognized for averaging more than 300 hours monthly as a paramedic and 12 hours weekly as a dispatcher,” the State’s Department said. ”He also works with “The Dream Team,” helping to escort terminally ill children on special trips worldwide.”

Awards during the ceremony were presented to a total of 35 EMS professionals and agencies in 22 categories.

This week, is EMS Week, which is celebrated from May 19-25 by more than 25,000 EMS providers throughout the state of New Jersey.

“New Jersey’s EMS professionals put their lives on the line every day to respond to more than 1 million calls and are available around the clock, ” said Commissioner O’Dowd. “The work they do daily, as well as during events like Superstorm Sandy, saves lives. It is fitting that we are recognizing their valiant service during National Emergency Medical Services Week.”

(Source: TLS)