On Thursday, August 14th, 2014 the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the 2014 Emergency Medical Services Award recipients at the opening ceremonies of the 37th annual State EMS Conference in Lancaster.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, with the
assistance of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council recognizes individuals,
groups, and organizations that have made a significant contribution to Pennsylvania’s EMS System.

Battalion Chief John Sly has been awarded as the 2014 Basic Life Support Practitioner of the Year.

The BLS Practitioner of the Year is awarded to honor an individual Basic Life Support provider who has contributed significantly to the development and growth of Emergency Medical Services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Battalion Chief Sly was awarded for his leadership in founding the Westwood Quick Response Service in 1999 followed by our Ambulance service in 2000. During his term as Fire Chief, he also was instrumental in establishing the first Department of Health recognized Rescue Service in Chester County.

In 2011, when several neighboring municipalities approached our agency with a request to provide ambulance service, Chief Sly once again formulated a service plan to begin our operations out of the Wagontown Fire Company.

Chief Sly served as EMS Chief for five years before stepping aside to become the Fire Chief in 2005, and has served in various positions and capacities with the Fire Company including Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy EMS Chief, Trustee, and current President and Battalion Chief.

This now marks the second State Award bestowed upon our Fire Company. In 2005, the Westwood Fire Company Ambulance Service was honored as the Pennsylvania “Ambulance Service of the Year” for outstanding service to the community.

Congratulations to Chief Sly on this proud achievement.