Governor General awards given to three paramedics

Three Norfolk paramedics, Jennifer Hancock, Tiiu Jaanusson and Steve Potz, have received national recognition for their exemplary service. They were recognized at a Norfolk council meeting. From left are Chief of Paramedic Services Justin Hobson, Hancock, Pots, Jaanusson and Mayor Amy Martin.

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Normally Jennifer Hancock is more than willing to take a backseat and let the firefighters with their shiny trucks, or police officers announcing a major bust, take the limelight.

But this time, she and two other Norfolk paramedics were front and centre as they received the Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medals. Hancock, Tiiu Jaanusson and Steve Potz each received the award and were recently honoured by Norfolk council.

“I am humbled and honoured standing before you today having received this medal,” said Hancock, who grew up on a farm in nearby Haldimand County.

“I’m honoured to serve my neighbours, friends and family here in Norfolk.”

The medals were created in 1994 as a way to recognize “professionals in the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical services to the public, who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency,” according to the governor general webpage explaining the medal.

Recipients must have completed 20 years of service, including at least 10 years of service that poses potential risk.

“Each of these individuals has demonstrated the highest standards of service in emergency medical care, often under the most challenging of situations,” said Mayor Amy Martin.

“Your exemplary service is deeply appreciated and truly deserving of this national recognition.”

Hancock said most of the time people in her line of work don’t receive the publicity of other first responders, and they’re quite happy to let their firefighter and police colleagues take the spotlight. However, she said she and her two coworkers were honoured to be recognized and said it was a testament to their entire emergency medical services team in the county and to their friends and family, who have offered more support than they could imagine.

“While we don’t seek the limelight… we are appreciative of this quiet recognition,” she said.