Emergency Medical Services
Commendation Medal
Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal
The Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal may be presented to an individual who has made a contribution in the EMS field that exceeded the requirements and expectations of their job description.
The medal depicts an Emergency Medical Services badge. The medal is accompanied by an enameled bar, suitable for wear on a uniform. A miniature medal is also available.
Additional information regarding the SAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal can be found in the SAR Handbook, Volume III.
2010 Medal Recipient
Lieutenant Jennifer Svites, Fairfax County Fire And Rescue Station 22
The Fairfax Resolves Chapter is proud to announce the presentation of the Emergency Medical Services Medal to Lt. Jennifer Svites of Fire and Rescue Station 22, A-Shift (Springfield, VA).
Lt. Svites receives her award from President Jack Sweeney (left) as Chairman Andrew Monahan looks on.
Before joining the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Lt Svites received her first medical certification in 1995 for Emergency Medical Technician - Ambulance (EMT-A). Three years later, she advanced her certification to become a paramedic, earning the Cardiac Rescue Technician (ALS provider) certification.
Confirming her dedication to emergency services, she graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Health Services in 1999 and became a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic. Joining the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, she graduated from the Fire & Rescue Academy on April 20, 2001. She was promoted in 2002 to Technician-EMS and again in 2006 to Lieutenant.
Her mentoring of colleagues emphasizes her dedication to her profession, and her above and beyond participation in EMS exam committees (Appeal Committee, All-Hazard Lieutenants Exam Committee) speaks to her encouragement of those around her. Lt Svites is currently a paramedic preceptor and has trained several paramedic students through their training and internship. She is also committed to continuing her personal education, taking prerequisite classes for a nursing degree.
Promotions, citations and commendations awarded to Lt. Svites highlight her willingness to teach and mentor colleagues, perform at her personal best, and work for the constant improvement of emergency services for the good of the community. Beyond Fairfax County, Lt. Svites was deployed to Mississippi from September 2005 to October 2005 as part of Task Force 2 for Hurricane Katrina.
Lieutenant Jennifer Svites displays her award with the rest of her team in front of the medical unit.