Stratford EMS Volunteer Helen “Bunnie” McQuilton receives Lifetime Achievement Award
[LT-RT: William Fitzmaurice, Chair CORP; Helen “Bunnie” McQuilton]
STRATFORD, CT — Longtime Stratford EMS Volunteer, Helen “Bunnie” McQuilton, was recognized with the 2021 CT OEMS Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifetime of volunteer commitment, contributions and leadership to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The award is one of Connecticuts most prestigious and is sponsored and presented by the Connecticut Office of EMS.
Bunnie has been a volunteer member with Stratford EMS for over 34 years. During that time, Bunnie has held the position of President and Executive Board member of the Volunteer EMS Association, EMR and EMT class practical instructor, CPR Instructor and has assisted with our Explorer program. Bunnies contributions as a CPR instructor have been crucial to the Town of Stratford’s HEARTSafe Community designation.
Over the past year, many volunteers throughout the country have backed away from EMS work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is to protect themselves and their full time jobs from being impacted. Bunnie, stepped forward into COVID-19 by volunteering countless hours at vaccine clinics to help monitor and vaccinate hundreds of Stratford residents. She was integral in the success of these clinics and the partnership between Stratford EMS and the Stratford Health Department.
She has been decorated many times over the years. Most notably, the 2012 Felner Caregiver Award; the 2015 Lighthouse Award; the 2017 Gillooly-Lawton Award (OEMS); two Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Awards representing over 500 hours volunteered for each award and the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award representing greater than 4000 hours volunteered in her lifetime. It is important to note that the 4000 hours is representative of her ambulance hours only. She has volunteered far more hours to the Town and SEMS over the years in “non-ambulance response” roles.
“I am so proud of Bunnie’s accomplishments both here at Stratford EMS and throughout the Town. She has always discharged her duties with grace, poise and professionalism. She is a true testament to the importance and strength of volunteerism in our community. I am so thankful for all that Bunnie has done for EMS, and congratulate her on being recognized by OEMS with this most prestigious award.” said Michael Loiz, Director of EMS.
“The pandemic has highlighted the amazing professionalism and empathy of the Emergency Medical Services. No one fits that description better than Bunnie McQuilton. For 34 years her steadfast dedication to her profession and her community is unsurpassed” said Public Safety Director Larry Ciccarelli. “I wish to thank her not only for her service but also for Bunnie’s undying drive to establish and continually improve upon the volunteer core which is the heart of Stratfords Emergencies Medical Service.”
“We are blessed to have some of the finest volunteers in the Emergency Medical Services field here in Stratford, and Bunnie McQuilton exemplifies the long-term dedication and selflessness characteristic of our incredible EMS personnel,” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick. “Bunnie has given Stratford over 34 years of service but has also shared her knowledge as an instructor and mentor of her colleagues during that time. During the COVID-19 pandemic Bunnie was in the thick of it, providing critical assistance with vaccine clinic established by the Stratford Health Department in partnership with Stratford EMS. Bunnie certainly deserves the statewide recognition she has received, and the entire town extends its congratulations to her on this award, and our thanks for her selfless service in the interest of helping others.”
The award presentation was made during a beautiful ceremony at Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Oct. 27 at 5:30pm. The presentation of awards was made by William Fitzmaurice, Chair of the CT Council of Regional President’s (COPR). Bunnie was decorated with Stratford EMS Director Loiz, Administrator Giasullo, Operation Supervisor Brophy and her family by her side.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
[LT-RT: EMS Director Loiz; Helen “Bunnie” McQuilton; EMS Administrator Giasullo]
