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. 

Recognition Categories

Prestigious RetirementPrestigious Retirement Recognition

For individuals who are retiring after 15 or more years of active EMS service in Minnesota—including those who who served prior to the establishment of the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) in 1995. Individuals who formally retire their credentials may also be granted the honorary title suffix “-Retired” to reflect their service. For example, a retired Emergency Medical Technician may use the designation “EMT–Retired” or “EMT–Ret.”

Required Documents:

  • Confirmation of retirement
  • Summary of service history

Emeritus DesignationEMS Lifetime Achievement – Emeritus Designation

For individuals whose career reflects exceptional, sustained contributions to EMS in Minnesota. This designation may be awarded upon retirement, after retirement, or posthumously—including those who who served prior to the establishment of the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) in 1995.  Recipients may be granted the honorary title suffix “–Emeritus” to recognize their lasting impact on the profession. For example, a retired paramedic may use the designation “Paramedic–Emeritus.”

Required Documents:

  • Career timeline or biography
  • Letter(s) of support describing the individual’s impact

Service in MemoryService in Memory Recognition

For certified or registered EMS providers who passed away outside the line of duty, in recognition of their career and commitment to EMS.

Required Documents:

  • Level and status of Minnesota EMS credential
  • Documentation or obituary referencing EMS service or
  • Supporting documentation (e.g., letter, photos, etc.) referencing EMS involvement

Silent Sacrifice HonorSilent Sacrifice Honor

The Silent Sacrifice Honor recognizes EMS professionals whose lives were cut short due to the cumulative trauma of emergency medical service—through suicide, substance use disorder–related death, or other mental health–related causes. While these losses may fall outside traditional line-of-duty definitions, they are no less connected to the burdens borne in service to others. This honor affirms that emotional and psychological wounds are real, and that the lives behind those stories deserve remembrance, not silence.

Eligibility includes EMS professionals whose death is documented—or strongly believed—to be linked to duty-related trauma, cumulative occupational stress, or PTSD.

Required Documents:

  • Level and status of Minnesota EMS credential
  • Narrative description outlining the connection between EMS service and the nominee’s passing
  • Documentation or obituary referencing EMS service and, when available, cause of death (e.g., public record, family statement, or agency acknowledgment)
  • Any supporting letters, photographs, or statements from colleagues, peer support teams, or family
Note: Information provided for this honor is treated as confidential and used solely to determine eligibility and notify the nominee’s family. Cause-of-death details will only be included in public recognition if they are already part of the public record or shared with the consent of next of kin.

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

The highest distinction awarded by OEMS, given to EMS providers who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving the people of Minnesota. An EMS Star of Life designation is automatically conferred once OEMS and the Director confirm that the death occurred in the line of duty during certified EMS service.

Honorary EMSHonorary EMS Recognition

For individuals who are not actively practicing as EMS providers but who have taken exceptional action to support EMS efforts, improve outcomes, or advance emergency care. This includes those in related emergency service roles such as dispatchers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.

Individuals who credentials due to agency or job requirements—but do not provide patient care as part of an EMS team—may be considered for this award if their contribution falls outside the scope of direct EMS practice. 

Required Documents:

  • Written description of the event or contribution
  • Letter(s) of support from EMS personnel or agency leaders

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

Awarded at the discretion of the OEMS Director to individuals who have made a significant and measurable impact on the EMS system in Minnesota.

Required Documents:

  • Nomination narrative outlining the contribution
  • Any supporting documentation available
Click here to submit your nomination

Eligibility Overview

  • Nominations may be submitted by EMS colleagues, supervisors, agency leaders, OEMS staff, or members of the public.
  • Nominees may include currently certified personnel, retired professionals, or community members with a direct impact on EMS.
  • Posthumous recognition may be awarded for both line-of-duty deaths and deaths determined to be duty-related due to cumulative occupational trauma, including those honored through the Silent Sacrifice Honor.
  • Nominees must not be under current disciplinary action or active investigation.

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.

Nomination Materials

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—are identified for each recognition category. To complete your nomination, please submit:

  • A completed nomination form 
  • A clear description of the nominee’s contribution, service, or act
  • Any supporting documentation or letters of support identified in the category's description

Judging Criteria

  • Nominations are evaluated based on impact, alignment with award intent, and completeness.
  • The OEMS Director makes the final award decisions, with guidance from the appropriate Deputy Directors.
  • Incomplete or insufficiently supported nominations may not be approved.
If a nomination isn’t selected, it’s not a reflection of the nominee’s worth or the value of their service. It simply means that, based on the details provided, we weren’t able to fully meet the criteria for recognition at this time. We deeply appreciate every submission—and we encourage nominators to strengthen and resubmit if they wish. Every story matters.

Submission Checklist

Before submitting, make sure you have:

  • Selected the appropriate award category
  • Completed the nomination form
  • Attached supporting documentation
  • Verified the nominee’s eligibility
  • Included your contact information

If nominating for the Silent Sacrifice Honor:

  • Be prepared to provide a narrative describing the connection between the nominee’s EMS service and their passing
  • Include any documentation or public record that supports this connection (e.g., obituary, agency statement, public memorial, letter from colleague)
  • Know that all information is treated as confidential and will only be shared publicly if it is part of the public record or with next-of-kin consent

Questions?

For help with the nomination process, or to confirm eligibility:

  • Email: info.oems@state.mn.us
  • Phone: 651-201-2800
Click here to submit your nomination