Fred Parker Award
Each year, the trauma program recognizes an individual or organization for their extraordinary contributions to the Pre-Hospital Trauma System through education, prevention, or operations. These recipients are selected by past winners and presented annually at the Ivatury Trauma Symposium.
History
The award is named for the first recipient Frederick P. Parker. Fred began his Fire and EMS career a bit later in life than many. Fred became interested in emergency services when EMS was dispatched to his home in Goochland to care for his grandson in 1995. Later that year, Fred decided to volunteer at his local station Manakin, Company 1 in Goochland. At the age of 50, Fred felt he had some catching up to do, so he signed up for the first EMT class he could find even if that meant driving to and from Farmville two times a week in order to complete the training. Over the period of a few short years, Fred completed his EMS education by attending the VCU paramedic program all the while advancing within the fire service as well. Fred obtained many Fire and EMS instructorships and loved teaching others.
Fred became a full-time firefighter with the Henrico County Division of Fire and attained the rank of Lt. Unfortunately, Fred’s career with Henrico County was cut short when he was diagnosed with ALS. Fred retired from Henrico Fire Department that year and joined the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education doing what he loved, teaching.
In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution honoring Fred's extensive public service record.
Prehospital education was Fred’s passion, and he was an integral part of the EMS Outreach program bringing PHTLS to the rural areas of the ODEMSA region. To honor Fred, the VCU Trauma Program recognizes an individual each year for their contribution to EMS.
Candidate must show a dedication to trauma education, injury prevention, EMS service or other trauma-related initiative.
Your name, email, and phone number, the nominee's name, phone number, and email address. You will need to include a 250-500 word description of why the nominee is deserving of the recognition.
Additional supporting documentation can be submitted as well, but not required.
The selected recipient will be announced during the Ivatury Trauma Symposium.