It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Northern VA EMS Council past President and Alexandria Fire Department Medical Services Deputy Chief Brian Hricik.
After a battle with pancreatic cancer, Brian died early Thursday morning, February 23, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones.
He began his EMS career as a volunteer in Prince William County in 1989 after inquiring at Buckhall VFD about a citizen CPR course. They invited him to join as a volunteer and obtain his EMT. He took the next EMT class and obtained his certification several months later. He later obtained his Cardiac Tech with Buckhall VFD before being hired by the Alexandria Fire Department in 1997 where he grew through the ranks from medic to EMS Training Coordinator and EMS Supervisor and retiring as Medical Services Deputy Chief on February, 1, 2023.
Brian has been the recipient of many regional EMS awards including Excellence in EMS and Outstanding EMS Leadership. The loss of Brian Hricik will be felt by local, regional and state EMS communities but his impact on EMS will never be forgotten.
City of Alexandria Mourns Passing of Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian Hricik
For Immediate Release: March 4, 2023
ALEXANDRIA, VA: After a battle with cancer, Alexandria Fire Department Medical Services Deputy Chief Brian Hricik died on February 23, 2023.
“This is a time of great sadness for the Alexandria Fire Department and for the City of Alexandria,” said Alexandria Fire/EMS Chief Corey A. Smedley. “We have not only lost an outstanding employee and Medical Services Deputy Chief, but a dedicated and well-respected colleague and friend. Over the past 25 years, Brian proved himself as an outstanding leader and advocate for a high-performing EMS system. He will be sorely missed by the Department, City, and community; we send our deepest regrets to his family and friends on their loss.”
Community members, regional colleagues, and local officials are invited to remember Deputy Chief Hricik and celebrate his life and contributions to our community:
VIEWING
Friday, March 10, 2023
2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, Va.
PROCESSION
Saturday, March 11, 2023
11 a.m.
City of Alexandria Fire Department Fire Station 204, 900 Second St, Alexandria, VA
A procession will depart Station 204 at 11 a.m. for Vienna Presbyterian Church, where Deputy Chief Brian Hricik will be remembered during a final public service. Residents and businesses along the 20-mile route are encouraged to show their appreciation and support for Deputy Chief Hricik, as well as the first responders participating in his procession.
SERVICE
Saturday, March 11
1 p.m.
Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. NE, Vienna, VA
Impact to traffic in the city will be minimal during the procession. As part of regional mutual aid agreements, Alexandria Fire Department personnel will be able to attend the memorial service with no staffing shortage in the community during that time and with no additional cost to the City.
Deputy Chief Hricik was born in Alexandria and began his EMS career with the Alexandria Fire Department in 1997 after volunteering in Prince William County. Prior to becoming the Medical Services Deputy Chief, he served in various capacities including medic, EMS Training Coordinator, and EMS Supervisor. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Cindy; three daughters Madison, Kaitlyn, Anna; his stepmother Sandy; his father Robert; two sisters Christine and Sabrina; and two stepsisters Cherie and Amy.
CONTACT
Alexandria Fire Department
Raytevia Evans, Public Information Officer
703.746.5190
City of Alexandria
Ebony Fleming, Director of Communications & Public Information
Do you know a provider, organization or program that should be recognized for its excellence, dedication and contribution to Virginia’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system? If so, submit a nomination today!
CRITERIA: An individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to the statewide Virginia emergency medical services system, and has demonstrated a commitment to a comprehensive, integrated system of emergency medical services throughout the Commonwealth.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual engaged in emergency medical services.
Regional EMS Award for Innovation Excellence in EMS
CRITERIA: An EMS provider, EMS agency or private/public organization involved in Emergency Medical Services that exemplifies innovative excellence and advancement in the statewide Virginia Emergency Medical Services system, and that has demonstrated a commitment to an innovation, comprehensive and unified system of Emergency Medical Services throughout the Commonwealth.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual, EMS agency, program, organization, public or private entity involved in Emergency Medical Services.
Outstanding EMS Leadership
CRITERIA: An individual who has demonstrated ability to organize, conduct, manage, problem solve and evaluate within his or her organization and, by exemplary leadership and administrative skills, improve the effectiveness, response and delivery of EMS.
ELIGIBILITY: Any person responsible for chairing, presiding over, supervising or administering EMS organizations and/or personnel in Virginia.
Outstanding EMS Agency
CRITERIA: An EMS agency that exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to its community; whose high level of patient care is evident by innovative training, community awareness, preventive health programs, public relations efforts and participation in local, regional and statewide EMS systems.
ELIGIBILITY: Any currently licensed or official agency that is recognized by the state or federal government that is based in Virginia and is directly responsible for responding to emergencies or disasters and providing the direct delivery of care. Includes governmental, commercial, volunteer, hospital, industrial and air ambulance services.
Outstanding Prehospital Provider
CRITERIA: An individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to his or her community through involvement with EMS.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual who routinely provides prehospital care, primarily in Virginia, is affiliated with at least one Virginia licensed EMS agency, and who is certified as a prehospital EMS provider by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS
CRITERIA: An EMS physician who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in the exercise of prehospital care.
ELIGIBILITY: Any licensed physician who is actively involved with prehospital care, training or mentorship of prehospital providers in the Commonwealth. This can include emergency room physicians, operational medical directors, or other physicians who dedicate their time and knowledge to furthering education and patient care in EMS.
Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS
CRITERIA: A nurse who exemplifies outstanding service in emergency medical services; knowledge and performance of EMS nursing skills; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other EMS personnel and agencies. Highest consideration is given to performing a nursing role in a hospital or clinical setting such as precepting or quality assurance programs. Nurses who have demonstrated excellence as a prehospital provider or instructor should be nominated for those categories.
ELIGIBILITY: Any Virginia licensed nurse serving in an active position.
Outstanding Prehospital Educator
CRITERIA: A provider who exemplifies outstanding teaching and leadership qualities while participating as an educator in an EMS program. Must have coordinated or consistently demonstrated excellence and a dedication to the education of prehospital EMS providers. The nominee must have participated as an instructor, coordinator or adjunct faculty in an EMS program for at least two years. Educational programs include: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT Enhanced, EMT Intermediate, EMT Paramedic, continuing education courses, preceptor programs or equivalent EMS training.
ELIGIBILITY: A Virginia EMS educator.
Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children
CRITERIA: An individual, organization or program that exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to the contribution, development and/or enhancement of EMS for children in Virginia.
ELIGIBILITY: An individual, organization or program with a significant contribution to the development or enhancement of EMS for children in Virginia. Services may cover a continuum of care, from injury prevention to prehospital care, emergency department and hospital services, and rehabilitation.
Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication
CRITERIA: An emergency medical telecommunicator, public safety answering point administrator, supervisor or training officer whose outstanding dedication and service has demonstrated an exceptional contribution to the improved delivery of emergency medical services in the local, regional or statewide EMS system.
ELIGIBILITY: An emergency medical telecommunicator, public safety answering point administrator, supervisor or training officer who is employed by or volunteers with an organized emergency medical services dispatch center or public safety answering point in Virginia.
Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health & Safety
CRITERIA: Any individual, program, business or licensed EMS agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia that has demonstrated comprehensive and/or significant accomplishments/programs that make a significant contribution to or provide for the health, safety and welfare of EMS providers.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual, program, business or licensed EMS Agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Examples of programs meeting eligibility for this award would include EMS provider health and wellness programs (fitness and wellness, cardiovascular health), scene safety programs (aeromedical operations, emergency vehicle operations), and provider injury prevention programs (injury prevention at violent scenes) designed to prevent line of duty death and injury. Eligible applicants include persons or entities developing or managing such programs.
Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness & Response
CRITERIA: Any individual, EMS organization or EMS response group within the Commonwealth of Virginia that has demonstrated comprehensive and/or significant accomplishments for programs that provide preparedness, response and recovery from natural, man-made and preplanned events, which cause a significant impact on the agency and the community. These activities should directly relate to and impact the provision of emergency medical care during these events.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual, EMS organization or EMS response group within the Commonwealth of Virginia
Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior or GED Recipient
This competitive $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior or GED recipient under the age of 21, who has been affiliated with an EMS agency for at least 90 days, and who is currently enrolled or will be enrolled in an institution of higher learning or an accredited ALS training program in the coming year.
The Regional Winner will receive a $1,000 Scholarship for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior or GED recipient. The Regional Winner will be Eligible to Win $5,000 Scholarship at the State level.
Guidelines
Anyone may submit nominations for the Regional EMS Awards.
For all categories the nomination may be based on a pattern of conduct/activities that has culminated in an exceptional improvement of the emergency medical services system in the locality, region or state. The nomination may also be based on a single unusual event that was beyond ordinary duty.
Using the official Nomination Form on the Regional EMS Council webpage, nominations can be submitted electronically or typed on the Nomination Form and mailed to the Regional EMS Council.
The person making the nomination should have extensive knowledge of the nominee’s qualifications and carefully select the category that most appropriately matches the nominee’s accomplishments.
The nominee must have current licensure or certification in the category in which he or she has been nominated.
One letter of recommendation and a maximum of two additional attachments, which can include a resume or CV, newspaper/periodical articles or other materials, may be included with the nomination form. Please note: Only three attachments in total will be accepted.
Don’t send nomination form until you’ve completed this checklist!
Did you supply all the information required on the nomination form and the type of information that will help judges select the most outstanding nominee?
Has the nominee met all of the criteria for this award category? If not, please consider another category. Nominees that are incorrectly categorized will not be considered.
Did you include supporting materials if the category requires them?
Did you include a high resolution digital photo of the nominee?
2022 Governor’s EMS Award Recipients Announced at 42nd Annual Virginia EMS Symposium
On Saturday, November 12, the 2022 Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award recipients were announced during the 42nd Annual Virginia EMS Symposium and Governor’s EMS Awards ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. These awards, given in Governor Glenn Youngkin’s name, recognize EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their outstanding level of excellence and dedication to the EMS system.
Presented in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services’ Annual EMS Symposium, the awards ceremony caps off the week-long training event. The symposium offers attendees the opportunity to earn up to 26 hours of continuing education credits for recertification as an EMS provider via more than 300 class sessions and various course tracks.
“Each year, many talented and dedicated EMS providers and organizations are recognized for their exceptional contributions to Virginia’s EMS System,” said Gary Brown, director, Virginia Office of EMS. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized at this level, and we greatly appreciate all of the nominees and award recipients for their hard work and dedication to responding to the call for help and providing the best prehospital emergency care in Virginia.”
“Virginia is blessed to have an outstanding network of highly-skilled EMS providers and organizations, who stand ready 24/7 to provide life-saving care within minutes of a 911 call,” said State Health Commissioner Colin M. Greene, MD, MPH. “My congratulations to the individuals and organizations being recognized this year, and a sincere thanks to those who strive every day to make emergency medical services in Virginia the example for others to follow.”
Please join the Northern Virginia EMS Council in congratulating our local Governor’s EMS Award recipients:
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Educator – Penny Kelly, Fairfax County Schools
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication – Adriane Heiden, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
2022 Governor’s EMS Award winners for all categories are:
The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – Gary Samuels, Bon Secours, Rappahannock General and Mary Immaculate Hospitals
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS (The Kent J. Weber Trophy) – Jon Henschel, Winchester Fire and Rescue Department
The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) – Michel Aboutanos, M.D., VCU Health
The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Lou Ann Miller, R.N., Riverside Regional Medical Center
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Educator – Penny Kelly, Fairfax County Schools
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Provider – Tyler Reid, York County Department of Fire and Life Safety
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – Jennifer Collins, Lynchburg Fire Department
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Peninsulas EMS Council Pediatric Care Committee
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication – Adriane Heiden, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response (The James A. Nogle, Jr. Trophy) – Kenneth Smith, CJW Medical Center
The Governor’s EMS Award for Innovation Excellence in EMS– Old Dominion EMS Alliance
An additional award is presented at the ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the Virginia Office of EMS in conjunction with the State EMS Advisory Board.
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship) – Michael Lansing, Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad
The Virginia Office of EMS has been accepting continuing education (CE) programs completed online through approved third party vendors since 2006. Online CE is only accepted from the following CE vendors as they have applied for and met stringent reporting and course content requirements as set forth by OEMS. Courses completed by providers on non-approved websites will not receive credit towards their certification.
Based upon an agreement between the National Registry and the Virginia Office of EMS, the number of CE credits that can be earned online and counted toward recertification is unlimited.
For more information, please click on an approved vendor link below. Most online CE vendors charge a fee for their services. Please refer to the individual vendor site for pricing information.
Synchronous Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
Virtual Instructor-Led Training, or VILT, is an online classroom where the student and instructor are in different locations and communicate entirely through the cloud. Through this simulated learning experience, students have the benefit of a hands-on learning experience that improves knowledge retention.
Recent improvements in internet bandwidth technology have made VILT an increasingly attractive option for Emergency Medical Services training allowing the Office of EMS and certified Education Coordinators to be able to offer complex, specific job training in near-real time. A perfect example of the need for near-real time training would be the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
The Office of EMS is pleased to announce that through an agreement with the National Registry, we are now offering this new training modality where the educational content you are seeking can reach you in the comfort of your home, your office or while you are on vacation in Vanuatu.
As with everything in life, there are some rules that must be followed in order for you to be issued CAT 1 CE for programs offered as VILT. We’ll get to those rules when you register for classes. In the meantime, some helpful information is listed below regarding what computer equipment and internet connection is necessary to participate in VILT Training. Click here for more information.
In order to receive credit towards recertification, each provider must utilize the website links above and complete the vendor’s registration form paying special attention to any links that are specific to Virginia’s EMS Providers. Virginia providers must utilize their Virginia EMS certification number and provider level as printed on their certification card when completing vendor registration. Failure to utilize the proper certification number and/or level will result in credit not being awarded.
Approved CE vendors report student completions, daily, to the Office. These credits are automatically applied to the provider’s OEMS CE Report within 24 hours of completion of the course. Course completion certificates issued by the online CE vendor are for your personal use only and cannot be used by the Virginia Office of EMS to verify CE taken. You may print a certificate for future reference – they are not to be sent to OEMS.
Only courses completed through the vendors listed above may be utilized for CE credit in Virginia. Courses that are completed on websites that are not listed on this page will not be counted toward recertification.
