South Carolina EMS Award Recipients

Emergency Nurse of the Year Award

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Commander Christopher Davis

United States Public Health Service

Commander Christopher Davis from the United States Public Health Service/Bureau of Prisons has been honored as the 2024 Emergency Nurse of the Year for his remarkable contributions to EMS and emergency medicine. With over 20 years of experience in 911 services, critical care transport, and flight medicine, he has dedicated his career to improving patient outcomes. A certified emergency nurse practitioner and paramedic, Commander Davis has trained with the Air Force and Army, supported Border Patrol EMTs, and deployed with Disaster Medical Assistance Teams. Beyond clinical care, he mentors and educates, advocating for stronger collaboration between EMS and emergency nurses to improve community preparedness.

EMT of the Year

Megan Jones

Central Berkeley Fire and EMS

Meghan Jones from Central Berkeley Fire and EMS has been honored as the EMT of the Year for her perseverance, leadership, and dedication to patient care. Since earning her EMT certification in 2022, she has shown resilience and commitment, mentoring new EMTs and improving patient care. Whether in daily emergencies or disaster response, her knowledge and dedication set a standard for excellence in EMS.

EMS Telecommunicator of the Year

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Deborah Raulerson

First Priority Mobile Healthcare

Robert D. Lesslie, MD Medical Control Physician of the Year

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Dr. Spencer Robinson

Meducare Air

Dr. Spencer Robinson from Meducare Air has been honored as the 2024 Robert D. Lesslie, MD Medical Control Physician of the Year for his leadership and dedication to advancing emergency medical care across the state. As the medical control physician overseeing air medical teams, he ensures critically ill patients receive advanced care quickly, saving countless lives. Board-certified in emergency medicine and EMS, his work bridges hospital and prehospital care, shaping the careers of many EMTs and paramedics. His mentorship and contributions to protocol development and education have equipped EMS providers to excel.

AEMT of the Year Award

Lauren Beaty

Clarendon County Fire Rescue

Jack Niles Award for

Excellence in Education

 Jonathan Jones

Department of Public Health

Jonathan Jones from the Department of Public Health has been honored as the 2024 Jack Niles Educator of the Year for his dedication to advancing EMS education. With over 20 years of experience, he transformed a struggling EMS program into one of the nation’s top performers, achieving national accreditation and producing highly skilled providers. Beyond the classroom, he serves on state and national committees and leads disaster preparedness initiatives. Known for mentoring students to think critically and lead with confidence, his impact on EMS education is profound.

Paramedic of the Year

Danny Hyatt

Lancaster County EMS

Danny Hyatt from Lancaster County EMS has been honored as the 2024 Paramedic of the Year for his unwavering composure, dedication, and leadership in EMS. Even when attacked by a dog during a cardiac arrest call, he remained focused, securing a successful patient outcome despite multiple challenges. Serving as a Field Training Officer, Military Combat Medic, Tactical Medic, and Honor Guard member, he also mentors students, coordinates a bike team, and volunteers in disaster response, including Hurricane Helene. His commitment to patient care and service sets the highest standard for paramedics.

Director of the Year

Kent Whitten

Prisma Health Ambulance Service

Kent Whitten from Prisma Health Ambulance Service has been honored as the 2024 Albert Futrell Director of the Year for his outstanding 35-year career in EMS, including 15 years as a director. His visionary leadership has driven groundbreaking initiatives such as blood administration in the field, the ET3 program, and South Carolina’s largest Mobile Integrated Health program, preventing thousands of unnecessary hospital visits annually. In times of crisis, Kent’s unwavering leadership has been evident, whether responding to an EF-3 tornado or serving as a SWAT medic. His commitment to the community extends beyond EMS, with involvement in programs like Shop with a Hero and Habitat for Humanity. For Kent, leadership is about empowering people, ensuring the next generation has the tools and support to succeed.

H. Dean Douglas South Carolina

EMS Advocate of the Year

Bergan Hall

First Priority Mobile Healthcare

Bergen Hall from First Priority Mobile Healthcare has been honored as the 2024 EMS Advocate of the Year for their unwavering dedication to strengthening EMS in South Carolina. Through engagement with legislative leaders, workforce discussions, and sharing their own journey, they have ensured that EMS providers are not only heard but supported. Whether in meetings with policymakers or on public platforms, Bergen has consistently highlighted EMS’s challenges and opportunities, working tirelessly to elevate the profession. Their commitment has made EMS in South Carolina stronger, and we are proud to recognize their leadership and advocacy.

Warren D. McBride Award

Georgann 'Gigi" LeGette

Charleston County EMS

Georgann 'Gigi' LeGette from Charleston County EMS has been honored with the 2024 Warren D. McBride Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering dedication to EMS over a distinguished 27-year career. She played a pivotal role in establishing Charleston County’s first bicycle medical team and was among the first women on the technical rescue team. Throughout her career, she has mentored EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and future healthcare professionals, instilling excellence and compassion in each of them. Many of those she has guided have gone on to leadership roles and advanced medical careers, continuing to carry forward the lessons she taught.

Dedication of Service Award

Sgt. Mary 'Beth' Auer 

Charleston County Sherriff's Office

Sgt. Mary 'Beth' Auer from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office has been honored with the 2024 Dedication to Service Award for her outstanding commitment to enhancing collaboration between law enforcement and EMS. As the first motorcycle-qualified officer in her department, she broke barriers and spearheaded a Telehealth initiative that improves mental health response while ensuring EMS units can return to service quickly. Her leadership extends to training first responders in marine rescue, ATV deployment, and life-saving interventions. Whether mentoring new officers or standing alongside EMS, Sgt. Auer exemplifies dedication, compassion, and innovation.

Small system of the Year 

 Saluda County EMS

Saluda County EMS has been honored with the 2024 Small EMS System of the Year Award for their outstanding resilience, leadership, and dedication to service. This year’s recipient has made a lasting impact by training over 600 individuals in CPR, educating children on how to call 911, expanding health programs, and raising funds to support families in need—strengthening emergency preparedness and building community connections. During Hurricane Helene, when the county lost hospital access for six critical hours and calls increased by 500%, the team worked tirelessly, logging over 1,000 hours of overtime, delivering oxygen, staffing shelters, and ensuring no call went unanswered. Their leadership in the Emergency Operations Center ensured efficient resource coordination in a time of crisis. Even in tragedy, their commitment remained steadfast, as their EMS Director traveled on foot for three miles to reach two volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in the storm. This act of courage and dedication exemplifies the spirit of Saluda County EMS.

Large System of the Year 

Greenville County EMS

Greenville County EMS has been honored as the 2024 Large System of the Year for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to EMS. During Hurricane Helene, they responded to over 1,400 emergency calls in just four days, coordinating resources and supporting crews amid severe flooding and power outages—demonstrating outstanding preparedness and teamwork. Their commitment to EMS education is equally impressive, with the launch of in-house EMT and paramedic academies that address staffing shortages and ensure top-tier training, resulting in a 100% pass rate for paramedic graduates on the National Registry. In addition, they secured funding for opioid recovery programs and expanded hazardous materials training statewide. Their innovative use of technology, such as FirstWatch/FirstPass, has enhanced patient care and provider performance. Greenville County EMS has also forged national recognition through their collaboration with military units for tactical medical training and the reestablishment of a tactical medic team for law enforcement. We proudly recognize their leadership and service to EMS.