St. Mary's ALS Honored at the 79th Annual Southern Maryland Firemen's Association Convention Awards Ceremony

The Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association held its 79th Annual Convention on April 25 and 26 at the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department.

Members of St. Mary's Advanced Life Support were recognized for their achievements with induction into the SMVFA Hall of Fame and the Laverne Stewart Memorial EMS Excellence and Awareness Award.

Eva Jones was inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame on Saturday night. She joined the EMS volunteer community in December 1997, beginning her service at the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. Eva Jones became a member of the St. Mary's ALS Unit in June 2000. She has demonstrated dedication and commitment as a volunteer, serving in various leadership positions within both organizations. Currently, she serves as President for St. Mary's ALS.

Eva Jones continues to contribute by teaching courses both in the community and in the classroom, including for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the College of Southern Maryland. She is known as an advocate for volunteers and consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence in EMS.

Eva Jones was recognized for her outstanding service with this prestigious honor.

Dr. Katherine Koch, a National Registry and Maryland Paramedic with the Volunteer St. Mary's Advanced Life Support Unit received the prestigious Laverne Stewart Memorial EMS Excellence/Awareness Award.

Dr. Koch was recognized for her efforts in presenting information and awareness talks to our various companies on patients with special needs and autism.

Dr. Koch recently presented at the National level at EMS World Expo in Indianapolis, IN, on "EMS Response to Patients with Mental Health Concerns."

In addition, Dr. Koch serves as the CARES Coordinator for St. Mary's County. In this role, she assists on the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS) team to help determine standardized outcome measures for out of hospital cardiac arrest and what can be done to improve the chain of survival.

We are proud of Dr. Koch and her accomplishments and for receiving this Award.

Congratulations, Dr. Koch!

Brian Evans, a St. Mary's ALS Member as well as a Member of the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, was selected for induction into the SMVFA Hall of Fame. Brian was nominated by the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Brian has served St. Mary's County for over 25 years of distinguished service. Brian has served in various positions throughout the County and is currently the President of the RVRS.

We all know Brian as the "IT guy" throughout the County as he assists us all with our technological issues. Brian also serves on the LOSAP Executive Committee and the Quality Assurance Committee for St. Mary's County.

Brian exemplifies a lifetime of selfless service. His continued involvement in multiple departments, coupled with his significant contributions to county-level committees, demonstrates a commitment that is truly rare. Brian is a leader, a mentor and a cornerstone of the Volunteer Emergency Medical Services in Southern Maryland.

Congratulations Brian on your Induction into the Southern Maryland Firemen's Association Hall of Fame.