Williamson County EMS Honors Lifesaving Work, Newborn Deliveries and Decades of Service at Annual Recognition Ceremony
As Williamson County continues to grow, the demands placed on emergency responders grow alongside it. Behind every emergency call, cardiac arrest response and roadside medical crisis are EMTs and paramedics making split-second decisions that can change — and sometimes save — lives.
That work took center stage Friday, April 10, as Williamson County Emergency Medical Services (WCEMS) honored dozens of emergency medical professionals during its annual Recognition Ceremony, recognizing acts of lifesaving care, compassionate service and long-term dedication to the community.
The ceremony celebrated not only medical achievements, but also the people who help form the backbone of emergency response across Williamson County — from paramedics assisting with unexpected newborn deliveries to field leaders guiding crews through high-pressure emergencies.
Lifesaving Cardiac Arrest Responses Recognized
A total of 49 individuals received Phoenix Awards for their involvement in the successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients, one of the highest honors presented within emergency medical services. Several recipients earned multiple awards, reflecting repeated involvement in lifesaving patient outcomes throughout the year.
Cardiac arrest survival often depends on rapid response, coordinated teamwork and advanced medical intervention within the first critical minutes. WCEMS officials highlighted the awards as a reflection of the skill, preparation and commitment demonstrated daily by first responders across Williamson County.
As communities throughout Central Texas continue experiencing rapid residential and commercial growth, emergency response systems are increasingly becoming a focal point for public safety discussions. Recognition events like this one also serve as a reminder of the critical infrastructure EMS departments provide beyond transportation to hospitals.
EMTs and Paramedics Honored for Emergency Newborn Deliveries
Seventeen Stork Awards were presented to EMTs and paramedics who assisted with non-hospital newborn deliveries.
While many residents associate emergency medical services primarily with trauma calls or ambulance transport, EMS teams are frequently called into highly personal family moments as well — including childbirth emergencies when labor progresses faster than expected.
The Stork Awards recognized crews who safely helped bring newborns into the world outside of a traditional hospital setting, underscoring the broad scope of care emergency responders provide throughout Williamson County.
Individual Awards Highlight Excellence in Patient Care and Leadership
Several individual honors recognized exceptional professionalism, leadership and service within WCEMS.
Medical director awards were presented to paramedics Jen Belknap and Sarah Garner for their commitment to excellence in patient care.
Community EMT Everett Osborn received the John Sneed Customer Service Award for demonstrating outstanding compassion and service in the field, qualities that often shape how residents experience emergency medical care during stressful and vulnerable moments.
Lt. Donna Tisdell received the director award in recognition of her dedication and contributions to the department.
Emergency medical technician Michael Chairez was named provider of the year for his impact and service within WCEMS.
Commendation awards were also presented to field commanders Melissa Davidson, Chad Henrichs and Dan Ketchum for their leadership and service.
Years of Service Reflect Long-Term Commitment to Williamson County
The ceremony additionally honored employees reaching significant service milestones, recognizing careers that have spanned decades of emergency response in Williamson County communities.
Those recognized included:
- Five years: paramedics Sarah Garner and Jordan Steinbrecher
- Ten years: Lt. Travis Hardy, paramedic Randy Sigmund and Lt. Seth West
- Fifteen years: paramedic Brett Wimsatt
- Twenty years: EMS Director John Gonzales
- Twenty-five years: Lt. Carl Kiefer
- Thirty years: Field Commander Derrick Schnaiter
Long-term retention within emergency medical services remains a growing challenge nationwide as departments navigate increasing call volumes, workforce shortages and the emotional demands of frontline healthcare. Recognizing career milestones has become an important way for agencies to acknowledge institutional knowledge, mentorship and continued public service.
What This Means for Williamson County Residents
For many families, interactions with EMS personnel happen during some of life’s most difficult or unexpected moments — serious medical emergencies, accidents or urgent childbirth situations. Ceremonies like the WCEMS Recognition Ceremony offer a rare opportunity for the broader community to see the people behind those emergency calls and the level of training and dedication required to serve a fast-growing region.
As Williamson County’s population continues expanding, maintaining strong emergency medical services remains closely tied to public safety, response times and quality of care for residents across the area.
The annual ceremony highlighted not only individual achievements, but also the collaborative work required to support emergency healthcare systems that communities depend on every day.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of public safety, local government and community developments impacting Williamson County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.