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    Minnesota EMS Provider Recognition Program

    The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is proud to recognize the dedication, service, and sacrifice of EMS professionals across the state. The EMS Provider Recognition Program honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on emergency medical services—through years of service, leadership in education, exceptional actions, or ultimate sacrifice.

    This program allows OEMS, EMS agencies, families, and the public to celebrate those who embody the core values of Minnesota EMS: service, integrity, compassion, and professionalism. 

    Click here to submit your nomination

    Recognition Categories

    Prestigious RetirementPrestigious Retirement Recognition

    Awarded to certified or licensed individuals who retire after 15 or more years of active EMS service. Retirees may use the professional suffix “-Retired” (e.g., EMT-Ret., Paramedic-Ret.).

    Emeritus DesignationEMS Lifetime Achievement – Emeritus Designation

    Given upon retirement, after retirement, or posthumously to individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to EMS in Minnesota.

    Service in MemoryService in Memory Recognition

    Honors EMS professionals who passed away while certified or registered, but whose deaths were not in the line of duty. This recognition ensures their service is remembered with dignity.

    Line-of-Duty HonorMinnesota EMS Star of Life – Line-of-Duty Honor

    This is the highest honor. It is reserved for Minnesota EMS professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving their communities.

    Honorary EMSHonorary EMS Recognition Award

    Recognizes individuals who are not EMS-certified—such as students, civilians, or professionals from related fields—who have shown extraordinary support or heroic action related to EMS education, care, or response.

    OEMS Director's AwardMinnesota OEMS Director’s Award for EMS Excellence

    Awarded at the discretion of the OEMS Director to individuals—certified or non-certified—who have made a significant and positive impact on the growth, support, or future of EMS in Minnesota.


    Eligibility

    To be eligible, individuals must:

    • Hold a current or recently retired Minnesota EMS certification or registration; and
    • Have no current sanctions, suspensions, or open investigations at the time of nomination.

    Exceptions:

    • The Honorary EMS Recognition Award may be given to individuals without EMS credentials, including civilians, students, or professionals in other fields who have contributed meaningfully to EMS.

    Who Can Nominate

    Nominations may be submitted by:

    • EMS colleagues, supervisors, or agency leadership
    • OEMS staff or advisory council members
    • The OEMS Director or Deputy Directors
    • Patients, family members, or members of the public positively impacted by the nominee’s service

    Required Documentation

    Each nomination must include details explaining how the nominee meets the criteria for the award. Additional materials—such as letters of support, service records, or incident summaries—may be requested depending on the award type. Please refer to the nomination form for specific instructions.

    Selection and Review Process

    • Line-of-duty deaths will be verified by OEMS and the Director and recognized automatically.
    • All other recognitions will be reviewed by the OEMS Director and may involve input from advisory members or a review of supporting documents.
    Click here to submit your nomination
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