The Minnesota EMS Years of Service Recognition Program honors EMS professionals who have dedicated years of service to Minnesota communities. Participating EMS organizations may submit eligible individuals for recognition at five-year service milestones.
Recognition materials are distributed annually during EMS Week for local presentation by the submitting organization.
Submit eligible EMS professionals
Program Overview
The program recognizes cumulative Minnesota EMS service performed through volunteer or paid roles. Recognition begins at five years of service and continues in five-year increments through 50+ years of service.
The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) administers the program. Submitting organizations are responsible for determining eligibility, verifying years of service, and submitting accurate information.
OEMS does not independently verify years of service and relies on the submitting organization’s attestation.
Recognition Levels
Recognition is available at the following milestones: 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, 35 years, 40 years, 45 years, and 50+ years.
Who May Submit?
Eligible submissions may be made by:
- Licensed ambulance services
- Medical response units
- Other EMS organizations recognized by OEMS
Eligible Service
Those who are eligible for this award may be any of the following:
- May be paid or volunteer service
- May be accumulated across multiple Minnesota EMS organizations
- Does not need to be continuous
- May include service before formal EMS certification if recognized and verified by the submitting organization
- May include current or former EMS professionals
Out-of-state EMS service is not included in this Minnesota recognition program.
Recognition Cycle
Recognition is based on service milestones achieved during the preceding calendar year.
Recognition materials are distributed annually during EMS Week of the following year and sent to the submitting organization for local presentation.
Individuals who were not submitted during a previous recognition cycle may be submitted in a future cycle and recognized at the highest eligible milestone attained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OEMS verify years of service?
No. The submitting organization is responsible for determining eligibility and verifying years of service.
Can service from multiple organizations be combined?
Yes. Eligible service may be accumulated across multiple Minnesota EMS organizations.
Does service need to be continuous?
No. Eligible service is cumulative and does not need to be continuous.
Can retired or former EMS professionals be recognized?
Yes. Former EMS professionals may be recognized if the submitting organization can verify their eligible Minnesota EMS service.
Does volunteer service count?
Yes. Both volunteer and paid Minnesota EMS service may be recognized.
Are certificates sent directly to recipients?
No. Certificates are sent to the submitting organization for local presentation.
When are certificates distributed?
Certificates are distributed annually during EMS Week.
Sample Recognition Certificate
Eligible recipients receive a personalized certificate recognizing their years of service milestone through the Minnesota EMS Years of Service Recognition Program.
Submit Eligible EMS Professionals
Use the online form to submit eligible EMS professionals for recognition.