The ceremony was at the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors meeting in the Flynn Center, Crescent City. The annual honors are presented by North Coast Emergency Medical Services, the governing agency for prehospital care in the region.

 

Longtime Del Norte Ambulance employee Joe Hamner was honored for his efforts last year when a vehicle plowed through a crowded church parking lot, injuring more than two dozen. Also receiving the award is former Del Norte Ambulance employee Cindy Henderson, who was also on scene at the church.

 

“The quick action of Hamner and Henderson – and those first responders who were soon at the scene – saved lives,” said Ron Sandler, paramedic and president of Del Norte Ambulance.

 

Also receiving the award is Sutter Coast Hospital emergency room nurse William “Bill” Janssen, who also serves as the PCNC Pre-Hospital Nurse Coordinator and as Flight Nurse Coordinator for Del Norte Ambulance.

 

“Bill Janssen has the rare gift of being able to not only lead others with training and one-on-one instruction, but also by example,” said Sandler. “Watching him with a patient – the genuine care he feels toward each individual – is an example others strive to follow.”

 

Star of Life awards are given in recognition of outstanding prehospital medical care. Over the past three years, Del Norte Ambulance employees have been awarded nine Star of Life honors.