Previous Story
‘Recognizing EMS’ importance in the community’
-
- Fire cadets, left, prepare cheeseburgers and hotdogs that were given for free in last Saturday’s EMS Fun Day at the Susupe Fire Station. (PHOTOS BY JON PEREZ)
-
- A girl, center, tries to win a prize in the mini basketball shoot around.
-
- Department of Public Safety personnel, right, explains the importance of using child and booster car seats in keeping your kids safe.
-
- Sparky is a favorite among the kids.
-
- Department of Fire and Emergency Management Services’ Charlie Shift were the softball champions.
-
- Yvette Sablan thanks all the sponsors and everyone who came and supported the 2nd Annual EMS Fun Day.
-
- Fire’s Pat George, left, and Jesse Mesa, middle, receive the $50 check from D&Q sales manager Marylyn Marron.
-
- Homeland’s Mark Borja, left, and Patrick Cepeda, middle, show off the bag of goodies they won and $50 check from D&Q.
Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Clyde K. Norita said recognizing the importance of the service given by his personnel is the reason behind the EMS Family Fun Day. The event was held for the second straight year last Saturday at the Susupe Fire Station.
Norita said they created their own committee that conceptualized the first staging of the event last year. “This is part of the EMS month every May and is the offspring of a committee that got together so we could recognize the importance of EMS in the community.”
Norita said they also hold CPR and EMT certifications during EMS Month. Last year they certified a total of 280 people in giving CPR on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
“This year we are targeting 500 for the three islands. We also go to schools explaining to them all about first aid and calling 911,” said Norita, who was a former lawmaker and commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
DFEMS will then recognize all outstanding EMT’s on June 14. Rota, Tinian, the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, and Priority Care have one nominee each, while Saipan has three from the Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie shifts.
“We’re going to recognize the outstanding EMT’s that was selected by a committee. All are nominated for the Most Outstanding EMT, whether it is a gentleman or lady, and will receive a separate plaque,” added Norita.
Not even a 20-plus minute downpour could stop the event, which was open to the public where kids played various games and had other fun activities while their moms and dads enjoy listening to live music.
Burgers, hotdogs, shaved ice, popcorn, and other refreshments were given for free courtesy of Best Sunshine International, Ltd., which also provided other logistics for the event.
Department of Homeland Security’s Mark Borja and Patrick Cepeda were crowned the best chefs in the Spam Cook-off with Fire’s Pat George and Jesse Mesa placing second. Teams prepared one appetizer and main dish.
DFEMS’ Charlie Shift ruled the softball tournament with ARFF and DPS placing second and third, respectively. Homeland was given the Sportsmanship Award.
Norita, a former executive director of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, also thanked overall committee chair Yvette Sablan and their partners—Priority Care, CPA, Homeland, DPS, Marianas Health, and Red Cross—for the event.
