OEMS Honors
The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) proudly honors those whose service, leadership, and extraordinary actions have made a lasting impact on EMS in our state. This page is dedicated to the individuals who have received official recognition for their contributions—those who exemplify the spirit of excellence, dedication, and innovation in emergency medical services. Honors are awarded on an ongoing basis as nominations are reviewed and approved.
Jump to an Award
Prestigious Retirement Recognition
Awarded to certified or licensed EMS professionals who retire after 15 or more years of active service. Recipients may use the suffix “-Retired” (e.g., EMT-Ret., Paramedic-Ret.) as a mark of distinguished service.
Recipients:
- Matt Fisch – Gold Cross Ambulance/Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service
Recognized for over 45 years of EMS service and commitment to patient care and community response.
EMS Lifetime Achievement – Emeritus
Conferred upon retirement, after retirement, or posthumously to EMS professionals whose careers reflect exceptional, enduring contributions to Minnesota EMS.
Recipients:
No recipients have been recognized in this category to date.
Service in Memory Recognition
Honors EMS professionals who passed away while certified or registered, but not in the line of duty. Their years of dedication are remembered with dignity.
Recipients:
- Scott C. Monsrud – First Responder, Mazeppa Fire Department
Recognized for his deep commitment to community service through fire, EMS, and city leadership. His legacy continues through the work of his son, a paramedic in Minnesota.
- Richard “Pat” Collins – Founder, Karlstad Rescue Squad
Honored for pioneering EMS in northwest Minnesota through the state’s early rural ambulance services and for a lifetime of training, response, and public service.
Honorary EMS Recognition
For non-certified individuals whose heroic action or sustained advocacy significantly supports EMS care, education, or response.
Recipients:
This recognition has not yet been awarded.
OEMS Director’s Award for EMS Excellence
Bestowed at the discretion of the OEMS Director for outstanding, statewide impact on Minnesota EMS—whether through leadership, innovation, or advocacy.
Recipients:
- Chief Ryan Quinn – Edina Fire Department
Honored for leading the development of the world’s first mobile intensive care unit for cardiac emergencies and advancing Minnesota’s preparedness for large-scale incidents.
Call for Nominations
Help Us Recognize Excellence in EMS
The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is now accepting nominations for EMS professionals and community members who have made a lasting impact on emergency medical services across the state. Whether it’s a lifetime of service, a powerful act of advocacy, or a meaningful contribution to EMS education, care, or response—we want to honor those who go above and beyond. For more information, check out our
OEMS Recognition homepage.
Questions?
For help with the nomination process, or to confirm eligibility:
