Henderson, Nev. - Chief Kenneth Knipper has been posthumously named the 2017 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award. The annual award is presented to a leader who has made a positive impact on a national scale, creating and promoting non-clinical innovation and achievements in fire service EMS management.
Chief Knipper dedicated much of his life to serving his community and advancing EMS in the U.S. He served as a member of the Silver Grove (KY) Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years. During this time, Chief Knipper served as chief of the department and launched the department’s EMS operations in 1980. He also was an active member of several state and national fire and EMS organizations, including serving on the executive committee of the National Volunteer Fire Council. Chief Knipper actively worked to improve and expand EMS at a national level through his involvement in projects such as the development of the EMS Education Agenda, the National EMS Workforce Assessment, the National EMS Information System, and many NFPA technical standards. In 2008, Chief Knipper was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters to represent the volunteer EMS community on the newly created National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC). After completing his second term on NEMSAC in 2012, Chief Knipper continued to travel across the nation to represent the volunteer fire/EMS community in fire and EMS-related projects and initiatives.
“Chief Ken Knipper was awarded the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to advancing EMS. Ken was a tireless advocate for both EMS providers as well as the patients and communities they serve. Throughout his life, Ken led countless projects in Kentucky and across the U.S. to ensure fire and EMS agencies had every opportunity to provide the best care possible for their patients,” said Chief David Becker, chair of the EMS Section.
Chief Becker along with award sponsors Physio-Control presented the award at Fire-Rescue Med, a leading, national educational forum for fire-based EMS officials hosted by the IAFC. The award was accepted by Chief Juan Bonilla, the current chair of the NVFC’s EMS/Rescue Section.
Chief Knipper joins an impressive cadre of EMS notables who are previous James O. Page Award winners (PDF). The award seeks to honor those who demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication toward fire-based EMS, professionalism and vision, a desire for achievement, a drive for excellence, and exemplary performance and leadership.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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