Northumberland Paramedics continued Paramedic Services Week celebrations with the presentation of Community Appreciation Awards to Ketch’s Korner and recently retired paramedic Sean Johnston at the annual Paramedic Staff BBQ. These awards were presented to show Northumberland Paramedics’ appreciation for the recipients’ continued dedication to supporting the well-being of emergency services personnel and community members in Northumberland.
For the past nine years, Ketch’s Korner has generously gifted lunches to paramedics, emergency personnel and community members during the Christmas holiday. Last year alone, the Ketch’s Korner team prepared 22 turkeys and delivered 312 meals to individuals throughout Northumberland who may have otherwise gone without a holiday meal.
This act of kindness deeply moved paramedic staff and sparked a ripple effect. In 2021, Northumberland Paramedic Sean Johnston was inspired to extend the reach of Ketch’s Korner’s generosity by collecting donations to ensure that Community Paramedicine clients also experienced the warmth and joy of a holiday meal.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this Community Appreciation Award from the Northumberland Paramedics. What began as a small effort to ensure a family friend enjoyed a holiday meal has grown into a cherished tradition of giving back to our dedicated emergency services personnel and many other community members,” states Ketch’s Korner Owner Melissa Dale. “This recognition is a testament to our incredible team of staff and volunteers, who work hard to give back to the community that supports us every day.”
A Community Appreciation Award was also presented to recently retired paramedic Sean Johnston. During his time as a paramedic, Sean was not only involved in expanding the holiday meal program, but he also spearheaded several other initiatives to give back to the community, including leading the Northumberland Paramedics annual food drive.
“It was an honour to present Ketch’s Korner and Sean Johnston with our Community Appreciation Award today,” states Northumberland Paramedic Chief Susan Brown. “Northumberland Paramedics extend their heartfelt thanks to the Ketch’s Korner team and all those who have supported our local paramedics during Paramedic Services Week and throughout the year. It has been a pleasure to work with Ketch’s Korner for the past three years to expand the holiday meal program to our Community Paramedicine clients, who are experiencing health challenges and may spend the holidays alone.”
Chief Brown continued to say, “It is also with great pride that we recognize Sean Johnston with this award during Paramedic Services Week. Sean’s unwavering dedication to our community extends beyond his 42 years of exceptional service as a paramedic. From assisting in coordinating meals for Community Paramedicine clients to organizing our annual food drive, Sean has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community. As the first paramedic to join the Community Paramedicine program, he set a shining example for those who followed. His tireless efforts have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for his lasting contributions.”
Photo attached
1. Community Award recipients and Northumberland Paramedic Therapy Dog In Training Ivy Joules (Left to Right): Karyn Beausoleil and Melissa Dale from Ketch’s Korner and recently retired Northumberland Paramedic Sean Johnston
2. Karyn Beausoleil and Melissa Dale of Ketch’s Korner accept the Community Award from Northumberland Paramedic Chief Susan Brown.
3. Sean Johnston accepts the Community Award from Northumberland Paramedic Chief Susan Brown.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
