Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
As we recognize National EMS Week, your LAFD would like to take a moment to honor the extraordinary work of our Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) members and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who answer the call to serve when our communities need them most.
At Harbor–UCLA Medical Center EMS Day, Firefighter/Paramedic Jerome Woodcock was honored as Paramedic of the Year. Firefighter/Paramedic Brian George and Firefighter Ralph Bassil were also recognized as nominees for Paramedic and EMT of the Year, while Battalion 6 EMS Captain Jay Walker will receive the Award of Excellence for outstanding leadership and service.
At Los Angeles General Medical Center, Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Zeller was honored as the 2026 Paramedic of the Year, marking the second time in his career receiving this distinction, an extraordinary achievement.
At California Hospital Medical Center, Firefighter/Paramedic Steven Balue was recognized as Paramedic of the Year for his outstanding dedication to patient care.
At Northridge Hospital, Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Bergeson (not pictured) was honored as Paramedic of the Year, chosen by the nursing staff of Northridge Hospital. This is the fourth straight year he has won the award.
📸: Arturo Tarango
#LAFD #paramedics #NationalEMSWeek
As we recognize National EMS Week, your LAFD would like to take a moment to honor the extraordinary work of our Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) members and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who answer the call to serve when our communities need them most.
At Harbor–UCLA Medical Center EMS Day, Firefighter/Paramedic Jerome Woodcock was honored as Paramedic of the Year. Firefighter/Paramedic Brian George and Firefighter Ralph Bassil were also recognized as nominees for Paramedic and EMT of the Year, while Battalion 6 EMS Captain Jay Walker will receive the Award of Excellence for outstanding leadership and service.
At Los Angeles General Medical Center, Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Zeller was honored as the 2026 Paramedic of the Year, marking the second time in his career receiving this distinction, an extraordinary achievement.
At California Hospital Medical Center, Firefighter/Paramedic Steven Balue was recognized as Paramedic of the Year for his outstanding dedication to patient care.
At Northridge Hospital, Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Bergeson (not pictured) was honored as Paramedic of the Year, chosen by the nursing staff of Northridge Hospital. This is the fourth straight year he has won the award.
📸: Arturo Tarango
#LAFD #paramedics #NationalEMSWeek
