From left, Madison Fire Chief Ralph Cobb, Mayor Troy Trulock, HEMSI CEO Jon Howell and HEMSI COO Don Webster. (Contributed)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Mayors of both Madison and Huntsville issued proclamations that designated the week of May 17-23, the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend, as emergency medical services week.

Madison Mayor Troy Trulock was accompanied by Madison Fire Chief Ralph Cobb and representatives from HEMSI for the official proclamation on May 12, which was held in conjunction with National EMS Week.

Don Webster, COO for Huntsville Medical Emergency Services, Inc. (HEMSI) and Jon Howell, CEO, were present at the proclamation.

“It is appropriate to show gratitude to those who watch over us by recognizing the value and the accomplishments of all first responders and emergency medical services by observing Medical Services Week,” the proclamation stated.

In addition to the proclamation by Trulock and a similar one by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, HEMSI prepared barbeque on May 19, 20 and 21 for emergency service providers that serve Huntsville, Madison and the rest of Madison County.

“The men and women of emergency medical services teams at [HEMSI], the Huntsville Fire and Rescue Department, the Madison Fire and Rescue Department and all Volunteer Fire Departments in Madison County stand ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Trulock’s proclamation went on to state.

At the barbeque cookouts, which were held at the HEMSI operations station at Oakwood Avenue in Huntsville, 21 HEMSI employees were recognized for benchmark anniversaries with the organization. Five HEMSI personnel were recognized for 20 years or more of service.

HEMSI, Madison County’s not-for-profit ambulance service, serves more than 350,000 residents and covers over 1,000 square miles.