Millcreek Paramedic Service

MPS Strike Team Honored

MPS and Clarion Pennsylvania Strike Teams

On Monday April 24, 2006 four members of the Pennsylvania Strike Team from MPS went to Harrisburg for an organized PA EMS day for all the EMS personnel from around the Commonwealth that went to the hurricane devastated areas of Louisiana, between September 1, 2005 thru October 31, 2005. Team members include Lisa Smith, Jeff Hulings, Mike Beganics and Mike Gambatese. Pennsylvania has PEMA, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Association, which a large number of EMS services have members of Strike Teams. These teams are used primarily for Emergency situations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There are times when these Strike Teams are asked to help with Emergency situations in other states. The day started off with members of the three Pennsylvania Strike Teams being recognized for their service and dedication for answering the call to help those in other areas of the country and giving up at least two weeks of their time. There were approximately 256 EMS personnel involved in the six week deployment. The group was then taken to the Capitol Building to be recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. After we were recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives, the teams were all met by their respective Representatives. To conclude the day, there was a press conference held with Governor Ed Rendell. This day was for the recognition of all EMS personnel who have dedicated their lives for the betterment and comfort of other people. Especially for the team members who were called up for deployment from Pennsylvania to the hurricane ravaged areas of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and other areas of Louisiana.