EMT recognized for 20 years of service

Staff reports

Representatives from local chemical manufacturing facilities met with Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez, far right, last week to present a $6,500 check in support of the Festival of Festivals event scheduled for Nov. 11 – 14 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Presenting the check to Martinez are from left, Greg Bowser, vice president, Louisiana Chemical Association and LAFESTE representative; Gary Lacombe, communications manager, Shell Chemical LP Geismar Plant; Bryan Andries, plant manager, PCS Nitrogen Geismar Plant; Richanne Caraway, human resources, Westlake Chemicals; Glenn Bucholtz, general manager, Shell Chemical LP Geismar Plant; JoAnn Hamilton, human resources, Rubicon; John Casey, plant manager, Westlake Chemicals and Doreen Swanson, administrative associate, BASF Corporation. Not shown is Lou Frey, vice president/general manager of CF Industries.

Leo J. Graves Jr., a District Fire Chief with the City of Gonzales Fire Department was recently recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for achieving 20 consecutive years as a Nationally Registered EMT.

This distinction is an honor held by few EMTs.

To maintain his status as a Nationally Registered EMT Graves completed on a biennial basis the most comprehensive recertification program for Emergency Technicians in America.

He not only completed courses to refresh his fundamental knowledge and skills but also attended a minimum of two hours per month of additional continuing education courses to advance his knowledge on new lifesaving skills.

By maintaining his nationally registered status and completing regular continuing education courses, Graves is among the few elite EMTs with the most training in pre-hospital emergency medical care in the nation.

He was nationally registered as a Basic in 1990 and has been serving the Gonzales Community since 1980. Prior to this position, Graves worked for the City of Gonzales Police Department.